Cap morphology after small-incision lenticule extraction and its effects on intraocular scattering.

AIM: To investigate cap morphology after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and its effects on intraocular scattering.

METHODS: Sixty-five eyes of 33 patients undergoing SMILE were enrolled. In addition to regular evaluation, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to investigate cap thickness at 1d, 1wk, 1 and 3mo postoperatively. The optical quality including modulation transfer function cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) values, and objective scattering index (OSI), were evaluated using OQAS™.

RESULTS: Cap thickness decreased from 1d to 1wk ( P <0.001), but remained higher than intended thickness of 120 µm after 3mo ( P <0.001). Cap thickness in central area was thinner than that of in the paracentral and peripheral areas ( P <0.0001). Total number of microdistortions decreased from 1d to 3mo ( P <0.0001). Pearson analysis revealed a weak correlation between OSI and standard deviation of cap thickness at 1d and 1mo, as well as between range of cap thickness and OSI at 1mo. No correlation was found between microdistortion and OSI, but a negative correlation existed between microdistortion and range at 1d and 1moafter surgery.

CONCLUSION: The corneal cap tends to be more accurate and regular with time lapse. Better cap morphology tends to contribute less intraocular scattering in the eyes undergoing SMILE.