Choose a procedure, then see what has cohort evidence, what appears only in structured community reports, and what is recognised but missing from the current dataset.
These groups describe the coverage of this database—not a ranking of severity or a personal risk estimate.
Source-linked study data. Each number stays attached to its cohort, denominator and follow-up period.
Progressive postoperative weakening and shape change of the cornea that can produce irregular astigmatism and loss of visual quality.
FDA recognition source ↗New or worsened dryness, irritation or tear-film disturbance reported or measured after the procedure. Questionnaires, tests and thresholds are not interchangeable.
FDA recognition source ↗Scattered or uncomfortable brightness, ghosting or poorer visual quality in low light. Definitions and questionnaires vary.
FDA recognition source ↗Rings around lights, especially under dim or night-time conditions. Studies may use different questions and symptom thresholds.
FDA recognition source ↗A reduction in chart lines even with the best glasses or contact-lens correction available after surgery.
FDA recognition source ↗An anecdotal layer kept separate from clinical evidence; these counts are not incidence estimates.
Rays or streaks around point light sources, usually assessed through a patient questionnaire rather than a single universal test.
FDA recognition source ↗1 approved public-forum report contains an issue-specific structured mention. This is not an incidence estimate.
Browse SMILE community reports →Coverage gaps remain visible because missing data must not be mistaken for zero events.
Sterile inflammation in the corneal interface after a lamellar procedure. Severity and treatment requirements vary.
FDA recognition source ↗Surface epithelial cells located within a surgically created corneal interface; some cases are observed while others may require treatment.
FDA recognition source ↗A postoperative infection of the cornea. It is distinct from endophthalmitis, which involves the inside of the eye.
FDA recognition source ↗Under-correction, over-correction, regression or another refractive result that may leave a need for glasses, contact lenses or an additional procedure.
FDA recognition source ↗Cells, tissue or debris trapped in the corneal space where the lenticule was removed, with effects ranging from none to corneal irregularity and blurred vision.
FDA recognition source ↗