Corneal Stability of LASIK and SMILE When Combined With Collagen Cross-Linking

Abstract

PURPOSE: We investigate whether small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is associated with less ectasia than laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and whether concomitant collagen cross-linking (CXL) is protective in SMILE Xtra and LASIK Xtra. METHODS: -test, analysis of variance). RESULTS: < 0.001). CT decreased significantly in all surgical groups; no differences were detected among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: SMILE may have less potential than LASIK to induce ectasia. LASIK Xtra and SMILE Xtra showed the smallest increase in MPE. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Concomitant CXL may be protective following keratorefractive surgery and may reduce further the risk of ectasia.