Circle For Epithelial Ingrowth After Smile
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POREF015 | Type: Case Report | DOI: 10.82333/c40j-qm55
Authors: Dr Pratik Gogri* 1 , Dr Sushank Bhalerao 2 , Dr Uma Thigale 3
1Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Services,Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital,Mumbai,India, 2Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Services,LV Prasad Eye Institute,Vijaywada,India, 3Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Services,Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital,Vijaywada,India
Purpose
We hghlight a sequence of three uncommon SMILE interface complications in a patient and their management.
Setting
We present a case of 26-year-old female who underwent SMILE in both eyes to correct her simple myopia but subsequently developed three sequential post-operative interface complications.
Report of case
After the SMILE surgery, a patient developed diffuse lamellar keratitis in both eyes and intensive topical steroids were initiated to control the same. Subsequently, the patient developed pressure induced stromal keratopathy in both eyes. It was treated by anti-glaucoma medications and stoppage of topical steroids in both eyes. Thereafter, right eye showed signs of progressive epithelial ingrowth threatening the pupillary area. Surgical intervention in the form of cap-to-flap conversion using the CIRCLE software in the VisuMax platform and lifting of the flap along with alcohol wash was done to treat the same.
Conclusion/Take home message
The usage of CIRCLE software to successfully treat vision threatening epithelial ingrowth after SMILE provides a novel and unique approach leading to optimal results.