Confocal microscopy (HRT III) images showing time-dependent changes in the corneal subbasal nerve fibers in the central cornea in SMILE group.

<p>Preoperatively (A), intact corneal subbasal nerve fibers were noted (black arrow). At postoperative 1 week (B), 1 month (C), 3 months (D) and 6 months (E), subbasal nerve fibers were present in the central corneal area (black arrows). Postoperatively, the corneal subbasal nerve fibers appeared more tortuous compared to preoperative corneal subbasal nerve fibers (images acquired from the same subject). Field size: 400 µm×400 µm.