Novel technique uses SMILE lenticules for cross-linking in thin corneas
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
FRANKFURT, Germany — A novel technique using a SMILE lenticule to increase corneal thickness during ultraviolet irradiation allows for effective corneal collagen cross-linking in thin corneas.
“We aim to increase the total thickness to about 400 µm, including cornea plus lenticule,” Guillaume Boutillier, MD, said at the ESCRS winter meeting.
At Rouen University Hospital, France, a study was performed using lenticules stored in the internal eye bank after ReLEx SMILE myopic procedures.
The lenticule is placed on the apex of the cornea before performing classical standard-protocol epi-off CXL with riboflavin and UV irradiation. At the end of the procedure, the lenticule is removed.
“It has lost the initial flaccidity and is now rigid,” Boutillier said while showing a video of the procedure.
The study included 10 patients with a follow-up of 1 to 3 months. None of them lost lines of best corrected visual acuity or endothelial cell density, and both maximum keratometry and minimum pachymetry were stable. An OCT scan of six patients showed a clear demarcation at 1 month.
“I hope that further analysis will confirm these preliminary results,” Boutillier said. “My take-home message is, I would like you to SMILE and keep your SMILE.”
Collapse
Boutillier G, et al. SMILE lenticules for crosslinking on thin corneas. Presented at: ESCRS winter meeting; Feb. 15-18, 2024; Frankfurt, Germany.
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts