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

To evaluate excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia and its predictability.

We performed a retrospective study of 100 eyes that had LASIK for hyperopia to assess predictability and long-term stability of refractive results. The Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper was used to create the flap and the Keracor 117CT Chiron-Technolas excimer laser with the plano-scan program was used to ablate all corneas.

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 intended correction and within +/-1.00 D of 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 more 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.

LASIK with the Keracor 117CT excimer laser appears to be an effective and safe procedure to correct hyperopia. Preoperative keratometric power, amount of hyperopia, and ablation zone diameter affect the efficacy and long-term stability of the procedure.