Comparative Analysis Of Visual Outcomes, Dry Eye, And Contrast Sensitivity Following Smile And Silk Procedures: A Prospective Study

This study aims to compare the visual outcomes, incidence of dry eye, and contrast sensitivity in patients undergoing SMILE and SILK lenticule extraction procedures. By evaluating these metrics at a 3-month follow-up, the study seeks to determine the relative efficacy and safety of these two advanced refractive surgeries.

A prospective, comparative study was conducted involving patients who underwent SMILE or SILK procedures for myopic correction. All subjects were assessed at a single 3-month follow-up visit. The primary outcomes included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcomes involved the evaluation of dry eye symptoms using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Schirmer's test, and contrast sensitivity measured under photopic and mesopic conditions. Data were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to compare the two groups, focusing on differences in visual acuity, dry eye symptoms, and contrast sensitivity.

Preliminary analysis indicates that both SMILE and SILK procedures effectively improve UCVA and BCVA, with over 95% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. However, a subtle distinction was observed, with SILK patients showing a marginally faster recovery of BCVA. Dry eye symptoms were reported in both groups, with a higher incidence in SMILE patients, as reflected in OSDI scores and Schirmer's test results. Contrast sensitivity outcomes favored the SILK group, particularly under mesopic conditions, where SMILE patients exhibited a slight reduction in contrast sensitivity.