Abstract
Purpose:
To describe the outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) performed by residents.
Methods:
A retrospective, study of 150 eyes of 86 patients with SMILE between May 2012 and April 2014 in one refractive referral center where included. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), keratometry, follow-up and complications were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 86 patients (150 eyes) with a mean age of 29.6 years old. The mean preoperative SE was -6.11 +/- 2.23. At month six, 81.8% of the patients had an UDVA of 20/25 or better and 93,7% achieved a CDVA of 20/25 or better. Adverse events were encountered in 32 patients (21.3)% being epithelial defect the most common. No UDVA loss was documented. None of the patients required a second intervention.
Conclusions:
SMILE performed by residents is an effective and safe procedure with a minor learning curve.