VisuMax Circle results in less pain than surface abalation after SMILE, according to a new study presented at the 2019 AAO meeting.
SMILE is not repeated to enhance prior SMILE treatment. Most surgeons will use LASIK; however, it is difficult to put a thick flap on a thin SMILE cap. If that is the case, surgeons resort to surface ablation, which causes pain and a longer recovery time. In comparison, Circle is painless and results in much faster recovery.
The study reported an efficacy index of 0.97, with 89% of patients with 20/20 corrected distance visual acuity.
Using Circle for enhancement after SMILE involves creating a junction cut for a new treatment plane, in which a side cut is created and then excimer laser ablation is performed. Because creating a flap in a previously flapless procedure may cause biomechanical weakening, Circle is recommended in patients with a cap ≤135 µm.
Circle is not yet approved by the US FDA, but it is widely used in Europe.
Reference:
Siedlecki J. CIRCLE enhancement after myopic SMILE. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting; Oct. 11-15, 2019; San Francisco.
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