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Ye's Swing Technique for Small-incision Lenticule Extraction Surgery
Published on: June 27, 2025
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Diffuse lamellar keratitis after small-incision lenticule extraction.
Jing Zhao1, Li He1, Peijun Yao1
1From the Department of Ophthalmology (Zhao, He, Yao, Shen, Miao, Wang, X. Zhou), Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Myopia Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry, Shanghai, China; the Department of Ophthalmology (Z. Zhou), Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|February 10, 2015
Summary
Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) occurred in 1.6% of eyes after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Thinner lenticule thickness was identified as a risk factor for DLK development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a prevalent refractive surgical procedure.
- Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a known complication following anterior lamellar keratoplasty and LASIK.
- Understanding DLK incidence and risk factors after SMILE is crucial for patient safety and surgical optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical features of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) following small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).
- To identify potential risk factors associated with DLK development after SMILE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case control study involving 1112 eyes that underwent SMILE for myopia.
- Data collected included preoperative characteristics, surgical parameters, and postoperative complications, specifically DLK.
- Statistical analyses, including t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analysis, were used to compare eyes with and without DLK.
Main Results:
- The incidence of DLK after SMILE was 1.6% (18 eyes).
- DLK presented 1-3 days postoperatively with mild to moderate inflammation, with most cases being Stage 1.
- All DLK cases resolved with topical corticosteroid treatment, and visual acuity was preserved.
- Thinner lenticule thickness was a statistically significant risk factor for DLK (P=.03).
Conclusions:
- Diffuse lamellar keratitis is a rare but potential complication of SMILE.
- While generally manageable with corticosteroids, further research is needed to fully elucidate risk factors.
- SMILE demonstrates a favorable safety profile regarding DLK incidence.

