A pilot study: lenticule quality of hyperopic small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in rabbits

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate lenticule surface characteristics of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for hyperopia correction in. Methods: The left and right eyes of 8 rabbits were divided into two groups. The right eyes were assigned to a hyperopia group, and the left eyes to a myopia group. The rabbits received SMILE procedures with +3.00 D and –3.00 D correction for the hyperopia and myopia groups, respectively. Extracted lenticules were examined via scanning electron microscopy. Lenticules from odd-numbered rabbits were accessed with the anterior surface, and lenticules from even-numbered rabbits were observed with the posterior surface. A previously established scoring system was used to evaluate lenticule surface characteristics. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the scores between the two groups. Results: All procedures were performed successfully, and the lenticules were extracted smoothly. One myopia lenticule that was facing downward was handled failed in preparation for imaging, thus 15 lenticules were ultimately graded. Twelve lenticules exhibited smooth surfaces, and regularly arranged tissue bridges were observed in almost all regions. Three lenticules exhibited a partially rough surface and irregularities affecting more than 10% of the lenticules (2 in the hyperopia group and 1 in the myopia group). There was no significant difference between the scores of the surfaces of the lenticules in the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The surface quality of lenticules after SMILE for hyperopia correction may be comparable to that of myopia lenticules. Future studies should concentrate on the clinical effect of human hyperopia lenticules.