Lenticule Quality After Continuous Curvilinear Lenticulerrhexis in SMILE Evaluated With Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Purpose: To evaluate the surface characteristics of lenticules extracted by continuous curvilinear lenticulerrhexis (CCL) in small incision lenticule extraction.
Methods: Twelve eyes treated with small incision lenticule extraction were included in the study and divided into two groups: the CCL and traditional groups. The extracted lenticules were examined with scanning electron microscopy. Both the anterior and the posterior surfaces of the lenticules were accessed. A scoring system was used to evaluate surface characteristics of the lenticules with a full mark of 16.
Results: All of the lenticules in the CCL group exhibited smoothness and regularity on both sides and received scores of 14 or 15. The average score of anterior surfaces was 14.83 ± 0.41 for the CCL group and 14.00 ± 2.45 for the traditional group. The average score for the posterior surfaces was 14.50 ± 0.55 for the CCL group and 14.83 ± 0.41 for the traditional group.
Conclusions: The surfaces of lenticules extracted by the CCL technique in small incision lenticule extraction are of good quality.
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