Lenticule Quality After Continuous Curvilinear Lenticulerrhexis in SMILE Evaluated With Scanning Electron Microscopy

To evaluate the surface characteristics of lenticules extracted by continuous curvilinear lenticulerrhexis (CCL) in small incision lenticule extraction.

Twelve eyes treated with small incision lenticule extraction were included in the study and divided into two groups: the CCL and traditional groups. The extracted lenticules were examined with scanning electron microscopy. Both the anterior and the posterior surfaces of the lenticules were accessed. A scoring system was used to evaluate surface characteristics of the lenticules with a full mark of 16.

All of the lenticules in the CCL group exhibited smoothness and regularity on both sides and received scores of 14 or 15. The average score of anterior surfaces was 14.83 ± 0.41 for the CCL group and 14.00 ± 2.45 for the traditional group. The average score for the posterior surfaces was 14.50 ± 0.55 for the CCL group and 14.83 ± 0.41 for the traditional group.

The surfaces of lenticules extracted by the CCL technique in small incision lenticule extraction are of good quality.