Management of incision failure during small incision lenticule extraction because of conjunctivochalasis

• Main Authors: Bu Ki Kim, Su Joung Mun, Dae Gyu Lee, Hyun Tae Choi, Young Taek Chung
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2017-09-01
• Series: American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
• Subjects: Small incision lenticule extraction; SMILE; Conjunctivochalasis; Complication
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451993616301876

Purpose: We report a case of incision failure during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and its management. Observations: The incision could not be made using the femtosecond laser because of a redundant conjunctiva, so it was instead done manually using a diamond knife. The lenticule was successfully separated and extracted. Three months after the procedure, the uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 and no complication was observed. Conclusions and importance: This case demonstrates that the conjunctiva should be carefully examined before SMILE. If a complication occurs because of conjunctivochalasis, it can be resolved with proper management without compromising the patient's visual acuity.