EXCIMER-LASER PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY FOR HYPEROPIA

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively study excimer laser correction of hyperopi a, with a I-year followup. METHODS: Eleven consecutive hyperopic eyes (10 phakic and 1 aphakic) underwent correction of hyperopia using the Summit Technology SVS Apex Plus excimer laser. Data collection include d cycloplegic refraction, spectacle-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, corneal haze, manual keratometry, and videokeratography. Prior to treatment the mean hyperopic spherical equivalent refraction (corneal plane) was +5.80 diopters (D)(SD 2.10). The mean attempted co rrection was +3.09 D at the corneal plane. RESULTS: Refractive data fo r the group showed a mean overcorrection at 1 month of +3.18 D. This r egressed slightly before stabilizing at 3 months, with a mean overcorr ection of +1.88 D. Thereafter there was no statistically significant f luctuation in refraction (p = 0.67). The amount of overcorrection and regression was greater in eyes that received higher corrections. Chang es in manual keratometry and videokeratography mirrored the attempted correction more closely than refraction, although stabilization did no t occur until 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Because the hyperopic correction achieved when measured by refraction was greater than expected, algori thms should be adjusted. The hyperopic erodible disc and Axicon lens s ystem is capable of treating low to moderate amounts of hyperopia.