Small Incision Lenticule Extraction SMILE - The Future of Refractive Surgery is Here.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a relatively new one-step refractive procedure that has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of myopia. It is anticipated myopic astigmatism will be FDA-approved in 2019. The SMILE procedure is shown to have similar efficacy, safety, predictability, and stability as current surgical options, such as LASIK, but has been gaining popularity due to fewer potential complications, such as dry eye incidence and greater biomechanical stability, and faster recovery time. This article discusses the SMILE procedure, its benefits, risks, uncertainties, and potential future in the world of refractive surgery.

Bilateral Forehead Rotation Flap with Skin Substitute Application for Convexity Replacement.

Large forehead defects pose reconstructive challenges, considering the tissue inelasticity and the need to preserve symmetry of the eyebrow and hairline. Local skin flaps and primary closures are mainstays of forehead reconstruction with many techniques reported, but they may not cover the entire defect. Further closure options with acceptable cosmesis are limited. While providing a functional alternative, skin grafting may take on an atrophic concavity and shiny texture. Free flaps similarly may not accurately replicate the contour of the forehead and may be discordant with the texture of adjacent skin. We describe a reproducible technique for closing a large central forehead defect in a single-stage local flap while retaining symmetry of eyebrows and neurovascular integrity. We also propose serially applying a skin substitute to the remaining portion of the defect to recreate forehead convexity and potentially expedite healing. This technique may represent a viable and reproducible method for recreating the natural contour of the forehead when complete closure may not be an option.

Scalp wound closures in mohs micrographic surgery: a survey of staples vs sutures.

Limited data exist comparing staples and sutures for closing scalp wounds during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). We surveyed practicing Mohs surgeons who were members of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) on their scalp wound closure preferences as well as the clinical and economic variables that impact their decisions. Comparisons were made between current practice habits, preferences, and provider demographics. Sixty-eight ACMS fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons completed the survey. Overall, scalp wounds during MMS were most frequently closed using staples.

Prevalence of Pigment Dispersion Syndrome in Patients Seeking Refractive Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) in patients presenting for vision correcting refractive surgery. SETTING: Discover Vision Centers, Kansas City, MO. DESIGN: This is a prospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 637 eyes of 319 serial patients who presented seeking refractive surgery were included in this prospective, observational study. Patients underwent routine ophthalmologic examination before refractive surgery. PDS was diagnosed by the presence of a deep anterior chamber, posterior bowing of the irides, Krukenberg spindles, and/or presence of mid-peripheral iris transillumination defects by the same experienced ophthalmologist. The prevalence of PDS and its associated ophthalmic and demographic characteristics were evaluated in those diagnosed. RESULTS: Of the 637 eyes, 165 (25.9%) eyes were diagnosed with PDS. Krukenberg spindles were present in 53 (8.3%) of the total eyes and in 47 (28.5%) eyes that were diagnosed with PDS. Transillumination defects were present in 153 (95%) eyes diagnosed with PDS and 161 (25.2%) total eyes. There was equal distribution between sex in those diagnosed with PDS (male vs. female: 26 vs. 25.8%; P=0.942). Blue colored eyes were most likely to have PDS (35.8% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PDS within the population of patients seeking refractive surgery is likely greater than the general population as a whole. This is most likely the result of self-selection and high association between myopia and PDS. Given that not infrequent sequela can occur from untreated PDS, it is prudent that refractive surgeons be aware of this increased prevalence and perform thorough examinations to properly identify the condition.