Table 1.

Absolute and relative contraindications for SMILE

Absolute contraindications to SMILE	Relative contraindications to SMILE
Pre-existing corneal ectasia (keratoconus, PMD)	Age ≤21 years
Unstable refractive error	Mild/treated ocular surface and tear film disorders
Exposure keratopathy	Epithelial and basement membrane corneal dystrophies
Ocular surface and tear film disorders such as active uncontrolled ocular allergy, severe dry eye, blepharitis	Systemic immunodeficiency
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	Controlled diabetes mellitus
One-eyed patient	Past ocular herpes infection
Uncontrolled glaucoma or uveitis	History of keloid formation Autoimmune disorders

Abbreviations: PMD, pellucid marginal degeneration; SMILE, small incision lenticule extraction.