AIM: To investigate the early visual quality after 0.05 D interval spherical lens optometry-guided small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)for the correction of different degrees of myopia.

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 200 cases(200 eyes)that underwent SMILE at the 989th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from May to September 2023 were selected. The 0.05 D optometry was used to measure diopter. According to the preoperative spherical equivalent(SE), they were divided into low-to-moderate myopic group(>-6.0 D)and high myopic group(≤-6.0 D), with 100 eyes in each group. The total high-order corneal aberration(HOA), spherical aberration, coma and trefoil aberration were compared between the two groups preoperatively and at 6 mo postoperatively, and the quality of vision questionnaire was completed.

RESULTS: The HOA, spherical aberration and vertical coma aberration in the two groups at 6 mo after operation were significantly higher than those before operation(all P<0.05). At 6 mo postoperatively, the HOA, spherical aberration and vertical coma aberration in the low-to-moderate myopic group were lower than those in the high myopic group(all P<0.05). The scores of the quality of vision questionnaire, near vision, night vision, night glare and visual fatigue in the low-to-moderate myopic group were all higher than those in the high myopic group(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Both low-to-moderate myopia and high myopia after the 0.05 D interval spherical lens optometry-guided SMILE had some visual symptoms, but great visual quality can be obtained after surgery.