AIM: To analyze the early visual quality differences of femtosecond laser small incision matrix lens extraction(SMILE)versus femtosecond laser excimer laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK).

METHODS: From February 2017 to February 2018, 78 patients(including 156 eyes)with SMILE myopia were enrolled in our hospital. Eighty patients(160 eyes)who underwent LASIK myopia in the same period were selected. All patients were followed up for three times. Months were observed for surgical outcomes, high-order aberrations, and contrast sensitivity(CS)status.

RESULTS: At 1mo and 3mo postoperatively, the central corneal thickness change rate in the SMILE group was(-14.48±2.67)%,(-13.54±2.90)% lower than that of LASIK(-17.92±2.85)%,(-15.63±2.71)%, and intraocular pressure changes. The rates were(-27.08±3.64)% and(-24.41±3.28)% were lower than those in the LASIK group(-29.26±3.81)% and(-27.01±3.62)%(P<0.05). The total high-order aberrations of the SMILE group were the sputum difference was lower than that of LASIK group(P<0.05). The SMILE group values were(1.86±0.21),(1.52±0.23)and(0.91±0.14)when the spatial frequency of glare CS was 1.5, 12.0 and 18.0 at 1mo after operation was higher than the LASIK group(1.71±0.20),(1.41±0.25),(0.81±0.12)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: SMILE has a lower effect on patients with higher-order aberrations than LASIK, and the early visual quality is better.