Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia

To prospectively study excimer laser correction of hyperopia, with a 1-year followup.

Eleven consecutive hyperopic eyes (10 phakic and 1 aphakic) underwent correction of hyperopia using the Summit Technology SVS Apex Plus excimer laser. Data collection included 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) (SD2.10). The mean attempted correction was +3.09 D at the corneal plane.

Refractive data for the group showed a mean overcorrection at 1 month of +3.18 D. This regressed slightly before stabilizing at 3 months, with a mean overcorrection of +1.88 D. Thereafter there was no statistically significant fluctuation in refraction (p = 0.67). The amount of overcorrection and regression was greater in eyes that received higher corrections. Changes in manual keratometry and videokeratography mirrored the attempted correction more closely than refraction, although stabilization did not occur until 6 months.

Because the hyperopic correction achieved when measured by refraction was greater than expected, algorithms should be adjusted. The hyperopic erodible disc and Axicon lens system is capable of treating low to moderate amounts of hyperopia.