Figure 7: Laser treatment. 10.00D) and myopic astigmatism (up to -3.00 diopters)10. The treatment of the corneal stroma is carried out by the cutting of an intrastromal lenticule with the fem- tosecond laser (fig. 9). The thickness and shape of the lenticule is adapted to ametropy. The extraction of the lenticule is then carried out manually (fig.10), after spatula-guided cleavage of the anterior and posterior surfaces, via a small incision. •Recovery time and side effects The functional recovery is less rapid than after a LASIK but faster than after a PRK. There is no flap, therefore no risk linked to its displacement. There would seem to be less post-operative eye dryness after a SMILE than after a LASIK, due to the sparing of corneal nerves .11 •Complications Immediate complications are linked to the cutting or manipulation of the lenticule. Cases of corneal ectasia after SMILE have also been published.12 Figure 9: Cutting of the lenticule with the femtosecond laser. Figure 8: Repositioning the corneal flap. Figure 10: Extraction of the lenticule. Due to the risk of flap dislocation, the practice of spor- ting activities that risk direct trauma to the eyeball is not recommended. The most serious complication is the occurrence of a cornealectasia, characterized by paraxial stromal thinning and steepening that can pre- sent itself in the years after the surgery. Ectasia causes irregular astigmatism and decreased vision. In order to reduce this risk, the pre-operation assessment looks at risk factors, particularly family history of keratoconus, irregular astigmatism or topographic irregularities. 1.3. SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) •The technique SMILE is the most recent technique. This technique is VOL. only indicated for surgical corrections of myopia (up to - 94/3 International Review of the Armed Forces Medical Services 43 Revue Internationale des Services de Santé des Forces Armées