Background: Refractive errors are the most common ocular problem affecting all age groups. They are considered a public health challenge. Recent studies and WHO reports indicate that refractive errors are the first cause of visual impairment and the second cause of visual loss worldwide as 43% of visual impairments are attributed to refractive errors.
Objective: To evaluate and compare corneal deformation amplitude in patients prior to and following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK) using non-contact-tonometer with visualization, and measurement of the corneal deformation response to an air pulse with an ultra-high-speed scheimpflug camera (Corvis®ST).
Patients and Methods: The present study included 40 eyes of 20 patients randomly selected from outpatient clinic of Al-Azhar University Hospital and International Femto-Lasik Center from November 2018 till January 2021, divided into 2 equal groups: Group (1) for patients undergoing small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and Group (2) for patients undergoing Femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK).
Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between pre-operative, post-operative 1 month, and Post-operative 3months regarding CCT (µm), MRSE (D), DA (mm), IOPg(mmHg), A1 length (mm), A2 length (mm), A1 time (ms), A2 time (ms), HC Time (ms), HC radius (mm), and Peak distance (mm) in Femto-LASIK, while there was a highly statistically significant difference found between pre-operative, post-operative 1 month, and post-operative 3 months regarding CCT (µm), MRSE (D), DA (mm), IOPg (mmHg), A1 length (mm), A2 length (mm), A1 time (ms), A2 time (ms), HC time (ms), HC radius (mm), and peak distance (mm) in SMILE.
Conclusion: Both Femto-LASIK, and SMILE substantially decreased the corneal biomechanical properties with less reduction in the SMILE group. SMILE was more effective, safe, and predictable manner as Fs-LASIK with better outcomes.