Visual and Refractive Outcomes Following SMILE to Correct Myopia Performed by Surgeons in Training

PURPOSE: To assess visual outcomes and complications following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) performed by cornea fellows under the supervision of experienced surgeons. METHODS: This retrospective, noncomparative case series was designed to assess outcomes following SMILE procedures performed at a large surgical center by cornea fellows between May 1, 2012 and March 30, 2015. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE) up to-10.00 diopters (D), and complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients (228 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. The mean preoperative SE was-5.79 +/- 1.95 D (range:-1.75 to-10.00 D) and the mean cylinder was-2.21 +/- 1.43 D (range: 0.00 to-5.50 D). At the last follow-up visit (average: 6.4 months), 94% of the patients achieved a UDVA of 20/30 or better and 96% of the patients achieved stability in their vision. Adverse events were encountered in 40 eyes (17.5%), with epithelial defect being the most common. Two patients required a second intervention to improve visual outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: SMILE performed by cornea fellows under the supervision of an experienced surgeon is an effective and safe refractive procedure with a short learning curve and excellent visual outcomes. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(1):28-34.]