Triamcinolone acetonide for remnant lenticule identification in small incision lenticule extraction

Lenticule fragments retained postoperatively are a unique complication of small incision lenticule extraction. Large or central remnants with pursuant complications, including irregular astigmatism, induced corneal aberrations, and reduction in visual acuity, warrant surgical removal. Currently described modalities to delineate lenticule remnants include the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography or CIRCLE software. However, the incurred cost and restricted availability of the described techniques limit their widespread use. The intraoperative administration of diluted triamcinolone acetonide into the intrastromal pocket to delineate lenticule edges, aiding subsequent removal is shown here.