Clinical outcomes of SMILE and WFG-LASIK used to treat myopia and astigmatism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2024 Apr;47(4):104085. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2024.104085. Epub 2024 Feb 19.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and postoperative visual quality of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and Wavefront-Guided Laser in situ keratomileusis (WFG-LASIK) and to analyze their efficacy in correcting astigmatism.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. RevMan software version 5.3.0 was used for meta-analysis.

Results: A total of 976 eyes were included in 8 studies, of which 539 eyes underwent SMILE and 437 eyes underwent WFG-LASIK. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (P=0.18), the proportion of eyes within±0.50 diopter of target refraction postoperatively (P=0.10), or the postoperative magnitude of cylinder (P=0.10). Regarding the Alpins vector analysis of astigmatism, there was no statistically significant difference in the surgical magnitude of error (P=0.09) between the two groups. WFG-LASIK has a lower surgical angle of error (P= 0.002) and higher surgical correction index of cylinder (P=0.03) than SMILE. In terms of aberrations, higher order aberrations (P=0.46), spherical aberrations (P=0.22) and trefoil (P=0.56) were not statistically different, while WFG-LASIK induced less coma than SMILE surgery (P=0.02).

Conclusion: Both SMILE and WFG-LASIK are safe and effective ways to correct myopia and astigmatism. Compared with SMILE, WFG-LASIK has a lower surgical angle of error, higher surgical correction index of cylinder and induces less coma.

Keywords: Aberrations; Alpins; Astigmatism; Astigmatisme; SMILE; WFG-LASIK.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Astigmatism* / surgery
  • Coma / surgery
  • Cornea
  • Corneal Stroma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ* / adverse effects
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ* / methods
  • Lasers, Excimer / therapeutic use
  • Myopia* / surgery
  • Prospective Studies
  • Refraction, Ocular
  • Surgical Wound*
  • Treatment Outcome