title: Five-year results of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx SMILE).
abstract: To evaluate the 5-year results of Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx) as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) technique for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism.
  
  
  
  In 2008/2009, the worldwide first 91 eyes were treated using a novel surgical technique (SMILE), where a refractive lenticule of intrastromal corneal tissue is removed though a small incision completely eliminating flap-cutting. 56 out of 91 eyes of the original treatment group volunteered for re-examination 5 years after surgery. Uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity after 5 years, objective and manifest refractions as well as evaluation of the interface and corneal surface by slit-lamp examination were documented. Late side effects like corneal scars, corneal ectasia, persistent dry eye symptoms or cataract were documented.
  
  
  
  5 years postoperatively, no significant change to the 6-month data was found. Spherical equivalent was -0.375 D and therefore close to target refraction (emmetropia). 32 of the 56 eyes had gained 1-2 Snellen lines. There was no loss of 2 or more lines over the 5-year period. Regression in the long term was 0.48 D.
  
  
  
  This first long-term study demonstrates SMILE to be an effective, stable and safe procedure for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism.
  
  
  
  DE/CA93/KP/07/001. Post-results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, HELIOS Hospital Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blum
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, HELIOS Hospital Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Täubig
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, HELIOS Hospital Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Christin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gruhn
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Phillips University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sekundo
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, HELIOS Hospital Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Kathleen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kunert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D063171:Corneal Pachymetry; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D048988:Corneal Surgery, Laser / Q000379:methods*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cornea; Treatment Lasers; Treatment Surgery