Algorithm to correct hyperopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of a new ablation algorithm for the correction of hyperopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser was evaluated. METHODS: Twenty-five eyes with mean preoperative hyperopia of +3.76 +/- 1.7 0 D and a mean hyperopic cylinder of 2.20 +/- 0.80 D underwent photorefract ive keratectomy (PRK) using a new algorithm with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser (software version 3.0). The new algorithm differed from previous algo rithms in that less tissue was removed for the same amount of diopters, and there was less of a dioptric gradient between the optical zone and the tra nsition zone. Mean preoperative spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.8 /- 0.09. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS: Mean postoperative spectacle corrected visual acuity (geometric me an) increased significantly to 0.89 +/- 0.1. The mean sphere decreased by 3 .08 D and the mean cylinder by 1.60 D. CONCLUSION: Hyperopic PRK using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with this n ew algorithm for hyperopic astigmatism appears to be safe and effective.