Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Characteristics After Surface Ablation Refractive Surgery and Novel Lamellar Refractive Surgery

Abstract

Both SMILE and LASEK alter corneal biomechanical strength. However, the changes induced by SMILE are more predictable than those induced by LASEK. In terms of per unit tissue removed, SMILE seems to have less effect on corneal biomechanics than LASEK, which may be due to preservation of the stiffer anterior stroma.