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Bievel-Radulescu R, Ferrari S, Piaia M, Mandatori D, Pandolfi A, Nubile M, Mastropasqua L, Stanca HT, Ponzin D. Banking of post-SMILE stromal lenticules for additive keratoplasty: A new challenge for eye banks? Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:355. [PMID: 39182212 PMCID: PMC11345333 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE ReLEx (Refractive Lenticule Extraction) Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), the second generation of ReLEx Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction (FLEx), is a minimally invasive, flapless procedure designed to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods for preserving SMILE-derived lenticules and discusses their potential future applications. METHODS A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on articles published up to January 2024 and available in English. The authors also evaluated the reference lists of the collected papers to identify any additional relevant research. RESULTS No standardized protocols currently exist for the storage or clinical application of SMILE-derived lenticules. However, these lenticules present a promising resource for therapeutic uses, particularly in addressing the shortage of donor corneal tissues. Their potential applications include inlay and overlay additive keratoplasty, as well as other ocular surface applications. Further research is needed to establish reliable protocols for their preservation and clinical use. CONCLUSION SMILE-derived lenticules offer significant potential as an alternative to donor corneal tissues. Standardizing their storage and application methods could enhance their use in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Bievel-Radulescu
- Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella, 11, 30174, Venice, Italy.
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 030167, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella, 11, 30174, Venice, Italy
| | - Moreno Piaia
- Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella, 11, 30174, Venice, Italy
| | - Domitilla Mandatori
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Ophthalmology Clinic, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Assunta Pandolfi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Ophthalmology Clinic, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario Nubile
- StemTeCh Group, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology-CAST, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mastropasqua
- StemTeCh Group, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology-CAST, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Horia Tudor Stanca
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 030167, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella, 11, 30174, Venice, Italy
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Aghamollaei H, Hashemi H, Fallahtafti M, Daryabari SH, Khabazkhoob M, Jadidi K. Applications of SMILE-extracted lenticules in ophthalmology. Int J Ophthalmol 2024; 17:173-187. [PMID: 38239948 PMCID: PMC10754658 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.01.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To review recent innovations, challenges, and applications of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) extracted lenticule for treating ocular disorders. METHODS A literature review was performed in the PubMed database, which was last updated on 30 December 2021. There was no limit regarding language. The authors evaluated the reference lists of the collected papers to find any relevant research. RESULTS Due to the simplicity and accuracy of modern femtosecond lasers and the extensive development of SMILE surgery, many healthy human corneal stromal lenticules were extracted during surgery, motivating some professionals to investigate the SMILE lenticule reusability in different ocular disorders. In addition, new approaches had been developed to preserve, modify, and bioengineer the corneal stroma, leading to the optimal use of discarded byproducts such as lenticules from SMILE surgery. The lenticules can be effectively re-implanted into the autologous or allogenic corneas of human subjects to treat refractive errors, corneal ectasia, and corneal perforation and serve as a patch graft for glaucoma drainage devices with better cosmetic outcomes. CONCLUSION SMILE-extracted lenticules could be a viable alternative to human donor corneal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Aghamollaei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1968653111, Iran
| | - Hassan Hashemi
- Noor Research Center for Ophthalmic Epidemiology, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran 1983963113, Iran
| | - Mahsa Fallahtafti
- Vision Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 1914853185, Iran
| | - Seyed-Hashem Daryabari
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1968653111, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khabazkhoob
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1968653111, Iran
| | - Khosrow Jadidi
- Vision Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 1914853185, Iran
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Chan JS, Han E, Lim CHL, Kurz AC, Shuman J, Liu YC, Riau AK, Mehta JS. Incisional surface quality of electron-beam irradiated cornea-extracted lenticule for stromal keratophakia: high nJ-energy vs. low nJ-energy femtosecond laser. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1289528. [PMID: 38162883 PMCID: PMC10754972 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1289528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Corneal lenticules can be utilized as an additive material for stromal keratophakia. However, following extraction, they must be reimplanted almost immediately or cryopreserved in lenticule banks. Electron-beam (E-beam) irradiated corneas permit room-temperature storage for up to 2 years, enabling keratophakia to be performed on demand. This study aims to compare the performance of high nano Joule (nJ)-energy (VisuMax) and low nJ-energy (FEMTO LDV) femtosecond laser systems on the thickness consistency and surface quality and collagen morphology of lenticules produced from fresh and E-beamed corneas. Methods A total of 24 lenticules with -6.00 dioptre power were cut in fresh human donor corneas and E-beamed corneas with VisuMax and FEMTO LDV. Before extraction, the thickness of the lenticules was measured with anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The incisional surface roughness of extracted lenticules was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Multiphoton microscopy was then used to assess the surface collagen morphometry. Results The E-beamed lenticules that were cut using FEMTO LDV were significantly thicker than the fresh specimens as opposed to those created with VisuMax, which had a similar thickness as the fresh lenticules. On the vertex, they were ∼11% thicker than the fresh lenticules. The surface roughness (Rq) of E-beamed lenticules incised with FEMTO LDV did not differ significantly from the fresh lenticules. This contrasted with the VisuMax-fashioned lenticules, which showed notably smoother surfaces (∼36 and ∼20% lower Rq on anterior and posterior surfaces, respectively) on the E-beamed than the fresh lenticules. The FEMTO LDV induced less cumulative changes to the collagen morphology on the surfaces of both fresh and E-beamed lenticules than the VisuMax. Conclusion It has been previously demonstrated that the low nJ-energy FEMTO LDV produced a smoother cutting surface compared to high nJ-energy VisuMax in fresh lenticules. Here, we showed that this effect was also seen in the E-beamed lenticules. In addition, lower laser energy conferred fewer changes to the lenticular surface collagen morphology. The smaller disparity in surface cutting quality and collagen disturbances on the E-beamed lenticules could be beneficial for the early visual recovery of patients who undergo stromal keratophakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian S. Chan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelina Han
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chris H. L. Lim
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jeremy Shuman
- Lions World Vision Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andri K. Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
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Dou S, Liu X, Shi W, Gao H. New dawn for keratoconus treatment: potential strategies for corneal stromal regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:317. [PMID: 37932824 PMCID: PMC10629149 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus is a progressive, ectatic and blinding disorder of the cornea, characterized by thinning of corneal stroma. As a highly prevalent among adolescents, keratoconus has been a leading indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. However, the severe shortage of donor corneas is a global issue, and the traditional corneal transplantation surgeries may superinduce multiple complications, necessitating efforts to develop more effective strategies for keratoconus treatment. In this review, we summarized several strategies to promote corneal stromal regeneration or improve corneal stromal thickness, including cell-based therapies, biosynthetic alternatives for inducing corneal regeneration, minimally invasive intrastromal implantation and bioengineered tissues for implantation. These strategies provided more accessible but safer alternatives from various perspectives for keratoconus treatment, paving the way for arresting the keratoconus progression in its earlier stage. For the treatments of corneal ectatic diseases beyond keratoconus, these approaches will provide important references and widen the therapy options in a donor tissue-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Gao
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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Li N, Liu M, Tian G, Chen T, Lin Y, Qi X, Shi W, Gao H. Effects of femtosecond laser-assisted minimally invasive lamellar keratoplasty (FL-MILK) on mild-to-moderate and advanced keratoconus. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2873-2882. [PMID: 37171602 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted minimally invasive lamellar keratoplasty (FL-MILK) for mild-to-moderate keratoconus (KC) and advanced KC. METHODS Prospective case series study. Sixty-three eyes of 56 patients with progressive KC underwent FL-MILK were divided into group 1 [mean keratometry (Kmean) ≤ 53D] and group 2 (Kmean > 53D). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), Kmean, maximum keratometry (Kmax), anterior central corneal elevation (ACE), stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1) and deformation amplitude (DA) were evaluated preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS Mean BSCVA improved from 0.34 ± 0.13 logMAR preoperatively to 0.25 ± 0.13 logMAR at 24 months postoperatively in group 1 (F = 10.10, P < .0001), and from 0.54 ± 0.31 logMAR to 0.40 ± 0.26 logMAR (F = 9.06, P = .0002) in group 2. Group 2 showed an average Kmax reduction of 10.9 D and an average Kmean reduction of 3.9 D at 24 months postoperatively (both P < .0001), whereas no significant change was observed in group 1. Average ACE decreased from 19.2 ± 10.0 to 5.2 ± 8.4 at 24 months postoperatively in group 1 (F = 28.5, P < .0001), and from 46.2 ± 16.3 to 19.1 ± 9.0 (F = 49.6, P < .0001) in group 2; SP-A1 increased from 53.8 ± 12.7 mmHg/mm to 95.9 ± 20.2 mmHg/mm in group 1 (F = 70.0, P < .0001), and from 38.6 ± 13.4 mmHg/mm to 89.3 ± 18.2 mmHg/mm (F = 96.9, P < .0001) in group 2; DA decreased from 1.30 ± 0.14 mm to 1.17 ± 0.13 mm in group 1 (F = 14.0, P < .0001), and from 1.40 ± 0.16 mm to 1.18 ± 0.10 mm (F = 27.6, P < .0001) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS FL-MILK can stabilize progressive KC in mild-to-moderate cases and advanced cases at 24-month follow-up. Steeper corneas are more likely to undergo flattening after FL-MILK. CLINICAL TRIAL Date of registration: July 16, 2017. The title of the trail: www. CLINICALTRIALS gov Trial registration number: NCT03229239. The name of the trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Mingna Liu
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Ge Tian
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xiaolin Qi
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Hua Gao
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Jinan, 250021, China.
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China.
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Zhang H, Deng Y, Li Z, Tang J. Update of Research Progress on Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) Lenticule Reuse. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:1423-1431. [PMID: 37251989 PMCID: PMC10216859 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s409014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The SMILE lenticule is a complete corneal stroma that is removed from SMILE surgery. Since the increasing number of SMILE surgeries, a large number of SMILE lenticules have been produced, so the reuse and preservation of the stromal lens has become a research hotspot. Due to the rapid development of the preservation and clinical reuse of SMILE lenticules, there have been many related studies in recent years, so we updated it on this basis. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Elsevier Science, CNKI, WANFANG Data and other databases for all articles published on the preservation and clinical reuse of SMILE lenticules, screened useful articles, selected relevant articles published in the last five years as the main body for summary, and then reached a conclusion. The existing preservation methods of SMILE lenticule include Moist chamber storage at low temperature, cryopreservation technique dehydrating agent and corneal storage medium, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Presently, smile lenticules can be used for the treatment of corneal ulcers and perforations, corneal tissue defects, hyperopia, presbyopia and keratectasia, which have been proven to be relatively effective and safe. More research on smile lenticule reuse needs to be carried out to confirm its long-term efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingping Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeshi Li
- West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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