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Holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty for hyperopia
D S Durrie1, D J Schumer, T B Cavanaugh
1Hunkeler Eye Clinic, Kansas City, Mo. 64111.
Journal of Refractive and Corneal Surgery
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) shows promise for hyperopia correction, with 79% of phase II patients achieving target vision. However, challenges like irregular astigmatism and regression require further investigation for stable refractive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Hyperopia management often involves refractive surgery.
- Holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) is an infrared laser procedure for hyperopia.
- Previous studies indicated undercorrection and regression issues with LTK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) for hyperopia correction.
- To assess refractive outcomes and visual acuity following LTK.
- To identify surgical challenges and long-term stability of the procedure.
Main Methods:
- LTK was performed on 29 eyes across two phases (Phase I: 10 patients, Phase II: 16 patients).
- Phase II incorporated design changes based on Phase I results.
- Follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months (mean 10.9 months).
Main Results:
- In Phase II, 79% of patients achieved intended correction within +/- 1.00 D at 6 months.
- Preoperatively, no patients had J2 or better near vision; postoperatively, 75% achieved this at 6 months.
- Phase II showed 43% of eyes lost 1 line and 7% lost 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to irregular astigmatism.
Conclusions:
- LTK demonstrates potential for hyperopia correction and near vision improvement.
- Induction of irregular astigmatism remains a concern, impacting visual acuity.
- Further long-term follow-up is necessary to define regression and stability of LTK outcomes.