Impact of Dry Eye Disease on the Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent condition affecting ocular comfort and visual quality.
• Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a popular refractive surgery procedure.
• The influence of DED on visual outcomes after SMILE requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of pre-existing dry eye disease (DED) on uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and refractive outcomes following SMILE surgery.
• To compare the visual and refractive results in patients with and without DED after SMILE.
• To identify predictive factors for UDVA in contact lens wearers undergoing SMILE.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 29 patients (11 with DED, 18 without DED) who underwent SMILE.
• Preoperative and postoperative (Day 7 and Day 20) assessments included DED evaluations, refractive status, and UDVA.
• Statistical analysis, including multiple linear regression, was used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• On postoperative Day 20, patients with DED showed significantly greater improvements in UDVA and better refractive outcomes compared to non-DED patients.
• While non-DED patients exhibited increased signs of ocular surface disease post-surgery, DED patients demonstrated better visual recovery.
• Preoperative factors like age, contact lens wear duration, and tear meniscus height were significant predictors of postoperative UDVA in contact lens wearers.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative tear function status is a crucial factor influencing postoperative UDVA after SMILE.
• The presence and severity of dry eye disease should be considered during the preoperative evaluation for SMILE surgery.
• Understanding the impact of DED on visual and refractive outcomes can aid in patient selection and management for SMILE.