Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablation zone s ize and its relationship to refractive and visual outcomes in the treatment of hyperopia. METHODS: We evaluated retrospectively 40 eyes of 20 patients who had LASIK: 20 eyes had a refractive ablation zone ranging from 5.5 to 9.0 mm (Group 1 ); Group 2 consisted of 20 eyes with a refractive ablation zone from 5.5 to 8.25 mm. We used the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser and the Hansatome microke ratome. Mean spherical equivalent refraction was +2.72 D in Group 1 and +2. 75 D in Group 2. Objective refraction and visual acuity were evaluated over 6 months in both groups, RESULTS: Six months after LASIK, mean spherical equivalent refraction in Gr oup 1 was +1.00 +/- 0.84 D and in Group 2 it was +0.75 +/- 0.42 D. One pati ent in Group 1 lost 1 line of spectacle-corrected visual acuity; none in Gr oup 2 lost lines. Sig patients gained 1 to 3 Lines from their preoperative spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK provides good results for mild and moderate hyperopia. L ASIK with an ablation zone from 5.5 to 8.25 mm showed better predictability and more stable results. However, corneal diameter and the thickness and w idth of the flap appear to be important factors in the feasibility of LASIK in hyperopic eyes.