Comparison of the Distribution of Lenticule Decentration Following SMILE by Pupil Center or Tear Film Mark Centration.

Abstract

To investigate lenticule decentration following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) via the pupil center or tear film mark centration method and compare induction of corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) between the two methods. This study analyzed decentration values obtained from tangential topography difference maps of 100 eyes (100 patients) undergoing SMILE with the pupil center (n = 50) or tear film mark (n = 50) centration method. Total HOAs and component aberrations were measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Relationships between the magnitudes of decentration and induced corneal HOAs were assessed. Both vertical and total decentered displacement were significantly different (P < .001) between the two centration groups. A significant relationship between the preoperative pupillary offset and decentration was noted in the pupil center group (P < .001), but not in the tear film mark group (P = .530). Significantly greater induction of total HOAs, coma, and vertical coma (all P < .001), as well as horizontal coma (P = .001) and spherical aberration (P = .023), were observed in the pupil center group. Association between the total decentered displacement and induced total HOAs (P < .001), as well as all other significantly increased phenomena, was also significant in the pupil center group. Differences in decentered displacement and induced corneal HOAs were significant for preoperative pupillary offset (angle kappa) greater than 200 µm, but not for angle kappa less than 200 µm. SMILE with tear film mark centration can yield improved treatment centration and less induction of total HOAs, coma, and spherical aberrations. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(4):239-246.].