What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the SILK procedure using the ELITA femtosecond laser for correcting myopia.

March 7, 2026Open Access

Real-World Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel KLEx Procedure with a Next-Generation Femtosecond Laser for Refractive Error Correction

Key Points

This research aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the SILK procedure using the ELITA femtosecond laser for correcting myopia.
Retrospective, non-comparative case series design
Evaluated outcomes of 144 eyes from 73 patients with myopia
Measured visual acuity, higher-order aberrations, and tear film parameters at multiple time points postoperatively
Subset analysis of tear film and dry eye symptoms for 36 eyes
96.5% of eyes achieved 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity at 30 days
Mean spherical equivalent post-procedure was −0.22 ± 0.68 D
No significant changes in tear film metrics or visual quality
Statistically significant difference in vertical coma, but not clinically relevant
No serious adverse events reported

Abstract

Purpose: ELITA Femtosecond Laser System (Johnson range − 1.50 D to − 8.250 D). Refraction and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 7, and 30 days postoperatively. A subset of 18 patients (36 eyes) underwent additional evaluation of tear film (Keratograph, LipiView, Schirmer II, NIBUT), dry eye symptoms (OSDI), and HOAs/contrast sensitivity (iTrace). Results: At 30-days, 96.5% of eyes (139/144) achieved 20/20 UDVA while the remaining 3.5% achieved 20/25. The mean spherical equivalent was − 0.22 ± 0.68 D. No significant changes were observed in tear film metrics, HOAs, or contrast sensitivity. A statistically significant difference in vertical coma was noted (0.05 ± 0.04 μm vs 0.1 ± 0.09 μm, P = 0.008), though not clinically relevant. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion: The SILK procedure with the ELITA femtosecond laser platform is safe and effective for myopia correction (with and without astigmatism), with no detrimental effect on tear film stability, dry eye symptoms, or visual quality at 30 days post-surgery. Keywords: corneal refractive surgery, femtosecond laser, smooth incision lenticular keratomileusis, SILK, lenticular extraction

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Real-World Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel KLEx Procedure with a Next-Generation Femtosecond Laser for Refractive Error Correction

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Abstract

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