Corneal opacities after small-incision lenticule extraction.
Serdar Kartal1, Rudy M M A Nuijts, Jesper Hjortdal
1Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|August 26, 2022
Summary
Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) can cause corneal haze, leading to visual disturbances like halos and photophobia. This case highlights the importance of diagnosing and managing these visual complications after refractive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a popular refractive surgical procedure.
- Visual disturbances can occur post-SMILE, impacting patient quality of life.
Observation:
- A patient developed suboptimal intermediate and near vision, halos, and photophobia after SMILE.
- Slitlamp biomicroscopy revealed hyperreflective opacities in the anterior corneal stroma.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms, including blurred vision and improved contrast with sunglasses, suggest visual aberrations.
- Hyperreflective corneal opacities indicate potential corneal haze or other structural changes post-SMILE.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of post-SMILE visual disturbances is crucial for effective management.
- Further investigation may be needed to determine the exact cause and guide treatment for corneal haze following SMILE.
