Laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of hyperopia from+0.50 to+11.50 diopters with the Keracor 117G laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the c orrection of hyperopia. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 46 patients tre ated with LASIK for hyperopia. All patients had a complete ophthalmologic e valuation. The corneal bed was ablated using the Bausch & Lomb Chiron Kerac or 117C excimer laser to create a paracentral annular ablation under a nasa lly hinged 160-mum corneal flap with the Chiron Automatic Corneal Shaper mi crokeratome. Follow-up was a minimum of 6 months. RESULTS: Eighty eyes of 46 patients (23 males and 23 females) were included . Age ranged from 18 to 65 years (mean, 42 yr). The range of preoperative s pherical equivalent refraction was +0.50 to +11.50 D (mean, +3.40 D). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction at 6 months was +0.26 D. Six months after surgery, 35 eyes (44%) achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 2 0/20 or better and 78 eyes (97.5%) achieved 20/40 or better. Forty-six eyes (58%) had a postoperative spherical equivalent refraction within +/-0.50 D of attempted correction, and 67 eyes (84%) were within +/-1.00 D of attemp ted correction. When using the Bausch & Lomb Chiron Keracor 117C excimer la ser to correct hyperopia, eyes with a spherical equivalent refraction less +2.00 D should be overcorrected by 25%, +2.00 to +4.00 D by 30%, and over 4.00 by 40%. The positive cylinder should be overcorrected by 10%. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK was safe and effective in the treatment of hyperopia fro m +0.50 to +11.50 D. Regression following LASIK for hyperopia remains a pro blem. A special nomogram was required to achieve results comparable with th ose for myopia.