Hexagonal keratotomy for correction of low hyperopia: preliminary results of a prospective study

Fifteen sighted eyes of 11 patients had hexagonal keratotomy for the correction of low hyperopia. Mean preoperative hyperopia of +3.21 diopters (range +1.75 to +5.50) was reduced a mean of 2.16 diopters (range 0 to -3.25) and keratometry was increased a mean of +2.22 diopters (range +0.75 to +3.71). Follow-up averaged 9.5 months (range 2.0 to 17.5). Ten of the 15 eyes (67%) had at least six months follow-up. No eye had better than 20/80 uncorrected visual acuity preoperatively. Fourteen eyes (93%) had 20/80 or better uncorrected acuity at the most recent postoperative visit. Nine of the 15 eyes (60%) had uncorrected acuity of 20/40 or better. Refractive spherical equivalent appeared to stabilize by three months for most patients. Astigmatism was increased a mean of only +0.02 diopter and no serious complications occurred. Further follow-up is required to assess the safety and efficacy of hexagonal keratotomy for reducing low levels of hyperopia.