Histopathology of Corneal Lenticules Obtained from Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) versus Microkeratome Excision.

Purpose: To study the alterations on the lenticules extracted after femtosecond (Femto) small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus the corneal free cap removed using a microkeratome.

Methods: The visuMax (500 kHz; laser energy: 180 nJ) was used for small-incision lenticule extraction. Free caps from human cadaveric corneas were excised by microkeratome.