Two-year follow-up of laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyper opia and its predictability. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 100 eyes that had LASIK for hyperopia to assess predictability and long-term stability of refractive re sults. The Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper was used to create the flap and the Keracor 117CT Chiron-Technolas excimer laser with the plano-scan progra m was used to ablate all corneas, RESULTS: Mean baseline spherical equivalent manifest refraction was +4.50 /- 1.73 D (range, +1.25 to +8.50 D). Six months after LASIK, mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction was +0.72 +/- 1.87 D (range, -1.75 to +2.50 D), at 1 year, +0.88 +/- 1.73 D (range, -1.25 to +2.50 D), and at 2 years, +0,85 +/- 1.74 D (range, -0.50 to +2.75 D). Two years after LASIK, 45 eyes (74%) were within +/-1.00 D of inf;ended correction and within +/-1.00 D o f emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 50 eyes (82% ) at 2 years; 29 eyes (37%) saw 20/20 or better. Undercorrection occurred m ore frequently in eyes with preoperative keratometric power of more than 45 .00 D, when ablation zones less than 6 mm were used and when higher amounts of hyperopic correction were required. CONCLUSION: LASIK with the Keracor 117CT excimer laser appears to be an eff ective and safe procedure to correct hyperopia. Preoperative keratometric p ower, amount of hyperopia, and, ablation zone diameter affect the efficacy and long-term stability of the procedure.