All-Femtosecond Laser Keratorefractive Surgery

Abstract

During the last few years, refractive lenticule extraction (ReLEx) has been introduced as a new approach in the field of keratorefractive surgery. In contrast to previous treatments, ReLEx is an all-femtosecond laser treatment where a refractive lenticule is created within the intact cornea. The lenticule can be removed using a flapbased approach (ReLEx flex), but in its latest evolution (ReLEx smile), the lenticule is extracted through a small peripheral incision, leaving most of the anterior stroma untouched. In theory, this approach should spare most of the corneal nerves and minimize the biomechanical impact of the procedure. Clinical studies have shown the safety and the visual and refractive outcomes after ReLEx to be as good as after FS-LASIK. The current article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of all-femtosecond laser keratorefractive surgery with particular emphasis on the most current of approach, ReLEx smile.