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Bilateral Ectasia After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|July 12, 2016
Summary
This case report highlights bilateral ectasia after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in a patient with early keratoconus. Thorough preoperative screening is crucial to prevent such adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a popular refractive surgical procedure.
- Early keratoconus detection is critical for patient safety in refractive surgery.
Observation:
- A case report detailing a patient who underwent bilateral SMILE despite preoperative findings suggestive of early keratoconus.
- The patient later required photorefractive keratectomy enhancement in the right eye.
Findings:
- The patient developed bilateral corneal ectasia post-SMILE.
- Corneal ectasia is a serious complication that can affect visual outcomes.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the necessity of meticulous preoperative corneal topography analysis to identify subclinical keratoconus.
- Avoiding refractive surgery in keratoconus-suspect eyes can prevent vision-threatening complications like ectasia.
