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Ten-year observation of corneal densitometry and associated factors following small incision lenticule extraction
Xiao-Song Han1,2,3,4, Fei Xia1,2,3,4, Zhuo-Yi Chen1,2,3,4
1Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.
Aim:
To investigate the long-term changes of corneal densitometry (CD) and its contributing elements after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).
Methods:
Totally 31 eyes of 31 patients with mean spherical equivalent of -6.46±1.50 D and mean age 28.23±7.38y were enrolled. Full-scale examinations were conducted on all patients preoperatively and during follow-up. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, axial length, corneal thickness, corneal higher-order aberrations, and CD were evaluated.
Results:
All surgeries were completed successfully without complications or adverse events. Ten-year safety index was 1.17±0.20 and efficacy 1.04±0.28. CD value of 0-6 mm zones in central layer was statistically significantly lower 10y postoperatively, compared with preoperative values (0-2 mmΔ=-1.62, 2-6 mmΔ=-1.24, P<0.01). There were no correlations between CD values and factors evaluated.
Conclusion:
SMILE is a safe and efficient procedure for myopia on a long-term basis. CD values get lower 10y postoperatively, whose mechanism is to be further discussed.
