%0 Journal Article
%T Ten-year observation of corneal densitometry and associated factors following small incision lenticule extraction.
%A Han XS
%A Xia F
%A Chen ZY
%A Yao PJ
%A Yang DM
%A Zhao J
%A Zhou XT
%J Int J Ophthalmol
%V 17
%N 3
%D 2024
%M 38721517
%F 1.645
%R 10.18240/ijo.2024.03.10
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To investigate the long-term changes of corneal densitometry (CD) and its contributing elements after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.