Femtosecond Laser Keratomes for Refractive Lenticule Extraction

This chapter looks at the technical fundamentals of refractive lens extraction. It covers the initial developments leading up to the SMILE procedure, which has become the preferred method of lens extraction. The chapter highlights the evolution of femtosecond laser-keratomes and their technical parameters; important differences among various femtosecond laser-keratomes available on the market are presented. The importance of accurate diagnosis, surgical planning, and the biomechanical effects of the treatment are briefly discussed.