Comparison of objective and subjective visual quality early after implantable collamer lens V4c (ICL V4c) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for high myopia correction.

Purpose: To investigate differences in the objective and subjective visual quality of patients with high myopia following implantable collamer lens V4c (ICL V4c) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) early postoperatively.

Methods: This prospective analysis included 94 eyes of 57 patients (8 males) in the ICL V4c group (mean spherical equivalent (SE), -8.07 ± 1.03 dioptres (D)) and 103 eyes of 57 patients (13 males) in the SMILE group (mean SE, -7.85 ± 0.78 D). Refractive parameters and wavefront aberrations were recorded preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Subjective visual quality was scored with the Quality of Vision questionnaire, and operation satisfaction was evaluated 6 months postoperatively.

Results: At 6 months postoperatively, the efficacy index was 1.17 ± 0.16 in the ICL and 1.09 ± 0.20 in the SMILE group; the safety index was 1.21 ± 0.18 in the ICL and 1.12 ± 0.16 in the SMILE group. A significant increase in total higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in both the ICL and SMILE groups was observed, but to a lesser degree in ICL (p < 0.05). In the ICL group, trefoil significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas in the SMILE group, coma, trefoil and spherical aberration significantly increased (p < 0.05). Glare, haloes and blurred vision had the highest incidences after both types of surgery, and postoperative haloes were significantly more common following ICL; 96.1% of ICL-treated and 94.9% of SMILE-treated patients were satisfied with their visual outcomes.

Conclusion: ICL V4c caused lower HOAs induction than SMILE. Despite the postoperative visual disturbances, both ICL and SMILE provided good efficacy, safety, predictability and high satisfaction in correcting high myopia.