AIM: To investigate and compare the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)and small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)surgery on anterior corneal asphericity.

METHODS: There were sixty eyes of 60 patients in FS-LASIK and SMILE group respectively from November 2016 to September 2017. The Q-values of anterior corneal surface for different diameters(6, 7, 8 and 9mm)and corneal aberrations were measured with Pentacam before and 3mo after operation.

RESULTS: The Q-values of anterior corneal surface between FS-LASIK and SMILE were no significant differences. After 3mo operation, the values increased significantly; and the post-operative Q-values of 6mm in group SMILE was significant lower than group FS-LASIK(0.47±0.32 vs 0.89±0.43,P<0.05). The higher aberration and spherical aberration in FS-LASIK and SMILE were no significant differences before surgery; after 3mo operation,there were no significant difference between them. However, group FS-LASIK had significant higher spherical aberration than group SMILE(0.43±0.23μm vs 0.31±0.11μm, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: FS-LASIK and SMILE cause significant changes of anterior corneal asphericity, Q-values all increased to positive values after surgeries; and there have less changes of Q-value and corneal aberration in SMILE than in FS-LASIK surgery.