Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia with the LADARVision 4000 with centration on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex

PURPOSE: To analyze the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and target deviations in patients who had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for primary hyperopia with the ablation centered on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex. SETTING: University-based refractive surgery practice. METHODS: Retrospective review comprised 37 consecutive patients (61 eyes) who had LASIK for hyperopia with the LADARVision 4000 excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories). Preoperative and 3-month postoperative visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, as well as the target deviation, were assessed for each eye. The change in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), best spectacle-corrected contrast sensitivity (BSCCS), and target deviation from the intended correction were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 or better in 44.4% of eyes. The mean deviation from target was +0.25 diopter (D) +/- 0.82 (SD), with 65.6% of eyes within +/-0.50 D of target. None eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. A loss of 3 or more patches of BSCCS were seen in 6.6% of the eyes and a loss of 4 or more patches, in 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Hyperopic LASIK with LADARVision 4000 with the ablation zone centered on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex did not adversely affect BSCVA and BSCCS.     

Bilateral comparison of wavefront-guided versus conventional laser in situ keratomileusis with Bausch and Lomb Zyoptix

PURPOSE: One aim of corneal refractive surgery is to correct defocus and astigmatism. In the process of correcting lower order aberrations, higher order ocular aberrations increase. To evaluate the effectiveness of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in reducing the increase of higher order aberration, we compared aberrational change after LASIK with conventional and wavefront-guided customized ablation. METHODS: Our study included 48 eyes of 24 patients. We performed conventional LASIK in one eye (Group 1) and wavefront-guided customized ablation in the other eye (Group 2). Ocular aberration was measured with the Zywave, a type of Shack-Hartmann aberrometer. We then compared low and high order aberrations, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, corneal topography, and manifest refraction preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity improved to more than 20/20 in two eyes in the conventional ablation group and in five eyes in the customized ablation group. In the conventional ablation group, Root-mean-square for higher order (RMS(H)) was 0.215 preoperatively, 0.465 (216.3%) at 1 month, and 0.418 (194.4%) at 3 months. In the customized ablation group, RMS(H) was 0.207 preoperatively, 0.380 (183.6%) at 1 month, and 0.371 (179.2%) at 3 months after LASIK. Mesopic contrast sensitivity in the customized ablation group was higher than that in the conventional ablation group, but this change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided customized ablation reduced the increase of high order aberrations resulting from LASIK. In terms of visual acuity, patient preference, and mesopic contrast sensitivity, wavefront-guided customized ablation produced slightly-but not statistically significant-better results.     

Topographic- and wavefront-guided customized ablations with the NIDEK-EC5000CXII in LASIK for myopia

PURPOSE: To assess refractive outcomes, changes in the total higher order root mean square (RMS) aberration, and changes in higher order wavefront aberrations after LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism with the NIDEK Advanced Vision Excimer Laser platform (NAVEX) using either an aspheric or topography-based or whole eye wavefront ablation algorithm. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 1459 eyes that underwent LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -4.68 diopters (D) (range: -0.50 to -9.63 D) with astigmatism up to -4.50 D. Treatments were classified into three categories depending on the type of ablation algorithm used--optimized aspheric transition zone (OATz) denoted eyes that underwent aspheric treatment zones; customized aspheric treatment zone (CATz) denoted eyes that underwent customized ablations based on corneal topography; and OPDCAT denoted eyes that underwent customized ablation based on the whole eye wavefront profile. Follow-up data are reported at 3 months (69%) and 12 months (17%) postoperatively. RESULTS: Three months after LASIK, the predictability (10.5 D from target refraction) was 80% for OATz, 91% for CATz, and 76% for OPDCAT. Of all eyes, 96% were within +/- 1.0 D of intended refraction 3 months postoperatively and 100% after 12 months (87% +/- 0.5 D). In the aspheric and custom groups, a notable improvement of uncorrected visual acuity was noted between 3 and 12 months after LASIK. No eye lost >1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Mean higher order RMS increased in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The data support that the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism is safe and effective with NAVEX. Customized ablation based on corneal topography rather than on total wavefront error was more predictable.     

Corneal wavefront-guided LASIK retreatments for correction of highly aberrated corneas following refractive surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of customized corneal wavefront-guided retreatment in symptomatic patients with highly aberrated corneas following LASIK. METHODS: This prospective study included 75 eyes of 59 patients with significant visual symptoms who underwent LASIK for the correction of residual refractive error. Ablation profiles were calculated using CSO corneal topography and ESIRIS/Schwind laser platform. Eyes were divided into two groups: those with significant night vision symptoms (37 eyes; night symptoms group) and those with decentration, irregular ablation profile, and flap complications (38 eyes; corneal complications group). Corneal topography and aberrations, visual acuity, point spread function (PSF), refractive outcome, and subjective symptoms were evaluated preoperatively, and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean uncorrected visual acuity was 20/32 preoperatively and 20/25 at 6 months postoperatively in the night symptoms group and 20/40 preoperatively and 20/30 at 6 months postoperatively in the corneal complications group. Mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in both groups (t test, P = .219 and P = .149 for the night symptoms and corneal complications groups, respectively). Safety index was 1.1 in both groups, and efficacy index was 0.93 and 0.92, respectively. Statistically significant improvement of total corneal higher order aberrations, tilt, and improvement of spherical aberrations and coma were observed, with corresponding improvement of PSF. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal wavefront-guided LASIK retreatment with CSO topography, ORK-W software, and ESIRIS/Schwind laser platform is safe and effective for treating symptomatic patients affected by corneal higher order aberrations or corneal irregularities following LASIK surgery.     

不同方式角膜准分子激光手术对人眼波前像差的影响

目的研究不同方式的角膜准分子激光手术(LASIK、LASEK)对术后高阶像差的影响。设计病例对照研究。研究对象行LASIK及LASEK患者各22例(各43眼)。方法对行LASIK或LASEK的患者术前、术后1、3、6个月进行波前像差检查。主要指标视力、屈光、波前像差的变化。结果两种手术方式的术后视力与等效球镜度相近。6mm瞳孔直径下,术后1个月时,总波前像差的RMS值比术前减少61%,高阶像差增加110%。术后高阶像差的主要成分大部分增加;其中,球差增加最大,1个月时比术前增加285%。术后1、3个月,LASIK术式组高阶像差RMS值稍低于LASEK术式组;术后6个月,LASIK术式组高阶像差RMS值稍高于LASEK术式组(P>0.05)。其中,两组的三阶彗差、三叶草、球差RMS值改变无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论LASIK与LASEK患者术后视力与屈光结果相近。术后总波前像差和低阶像差降低,高阶像差增加。不同手术方式对术后高阶像差无显著性影响。(眼科,2006,15:191-194)     

A prospective randomized clinical trial of laser in situ keratomileusis with two different lasers

PURPOSE: To compare optical quality, visual function, corneal shape, ocular wavefront aberrations, and patient-reported symptoms and satisfaction after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with two different excimer lasers. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: In an institutional practice setting, 60 eyes of 30 patients with low to moderate myopia were randomized to receive LASIK in one eye with the Technolas 217A; the other eye was treated with the VISX S3. Patients were followed for 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: At 6 months, the mean best-spectacle corrected high contrast visual acuity was similar between the two treatment groups: mean difference (95% confidence interval) was -0.01 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) (-0.03 to +0.01 logMAR). Uncorrected visual acuity differences were also not significant. The difference in residual spherical equivalent subjective refractive error between treatment groups was -0.15 diopter (-0.34 to +0.05 diopter). Spherical aberration increased in both groups after treatment, and the change in root mean square (RMS) ocular wavefront error was greater in the VISX group by +0.07 microm (+0.03 to +0.11 microm). After LASIK, corneal curvature was steeper in the midperipheral region among VISX-treated eyes by +1.39 diopters (+2.06 to +0.72 diopters). There were no patient-reported differences in satisfaction between eyes. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in visual acuity or refractive outcomes attributed to either laser under any of the conditions measured. There was also no significant difference in patient-reported symptoms, satisfaction with treatment, or eye preference associated with either laser. Additional study is needed to establish the importance of differences in higher-order optical aberrations and corneal shape that we observed in these two treatment groups.     

Topography-guided ablation for treatment of patients with irregular astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the customized aspheric treatment zone (CATz) topography-guided ablation for the correction of irregular astigmatism induced by initial corneal refractive surgery or corneal injury. METHODS: CATz ablation was performed on 32 eyes of 28 patients. Each procedure was performed by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or LASIK using a NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. The eyes had decentered ablations, small optical zones, decreased best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and asymmetrical astigmatism. Subjective symptoms, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), BSCVA, refraction, corneal topography, and higher order aberrations were measured. Mean follow-up was 161.9 +/- 129.9 days (range: 90 to 492 days). RESULTS: Data obtained at final postoperative follow-up show that UCVA and BSCVA increased by > or = 2 lines after CATz ablation in 17 and 11 eyes and decreased in 4 and 2 eyes, respectively. Higher order aberrations were decreased in 16 eyes and increased in 1 eye. Topographical maps were improved with decreased surface regularity index (20 eyes) and surface asymmetry index (22 eyes). Seven eyes required further enhancement for residual refractive errors. Thirteen patients (15 eyes) claimed they were satisfied with the outcome, 6 patients (7 eyes) stated that the outcome was lower than expected, and 4 patients (4 eyes) stated they were dissatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: CATz topographic ablation effectively improves the quality of vision and symptoms in the majority of patients with irregular corneal astigmatism from previous excimer laser refractive surgery. However, residual or induced refractive errors may need to be corrected with a second operation after CATz.     

Outcome of second surgery in LASIK cases aborted due to flap complications

PURPOSE: To describe the technique and timing of second refractive surgery after aborted laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) due to intraoperative flap complication and determine the final visual outcome. SETTING: Outpatient ambulatory laser vision correction centers. METHODS: This retrospective noncomparative case series included 16 patients (16 eyes) who had a second refractive surgery after initial LASIK surgery was aborted because of a flap complication. Charts were reviewed with attention to initial preoperative data, intraoperative details of the aborted LASIK, postoperative examination, possible causes of the flap complication, timing and technique of second refractive surgery, and final visual outcome. RESULTS: Causes of the aborted LASIK were identified in 13 of 16 eyes (81.2%) and included eye squeezing (5 eyes), loss of suction or machine failure (5 eyes), steep corneas (2 eyes), and learning curve of the surgeon (1 eye). The mean time until the second surgery was 135 days (range 49 to 372 days). Repeat flaps were created deeper and larger than the initially attempted flaps when possible. No patient had a final uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) worse than 20/30 after the second surgery. Two eyes (12.5%) lost 1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: A planned delayed reoperation after sufficient corneal healing following an intraoperative flap complication can result in satisfactory recovery of UCVA.     

Randomized bilateral comparison of excimer laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy for 2.50 to 8.00 diopters of myopia

OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness, safety, and stability of excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for low-to-moderate myopia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, bilateral study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three patients with a manifest refraction of -2.50 to -8.00 diopters (D) participated. INTERVENTION: For each patient, one eye received LASIK and the other received PRK. The first eye treated, and surgical method in the first eye, were randomized. Both eyes were treated by the same surgeon during the same operative session with a Summit Omnimed I laser (6-mm-diameter ablation) and a Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper. Follow-up was 90% at 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: At baseline, mean (+/-standard deviation) spherical equivalent manifest refraction was -4.80 +/- 1.60 D in LASIK-treated eyes and -4.70 +/- 1.50 D in PRK-treated eyes. At 1 day after surgery, 81% of patients (21 eyes) reported no pain in the LASIK-treated eye, whereas no patient (0%) reported being pain-free in the PRK-treated eye. At 3 to 4 days after surgery, 18 (80%) LASIK-treated eyes either improved or remained within 1 line of baseline spectacle-corrected visual acuity; only 10 (45%) PRK-treated eyes achieved this result. At 2 years after surgery, 18 (61%) LASIK- and 10 (36%) PRK-treated eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, with no statistically significant difference in refractive outcome between the two techniques. Quantitative videokeratography showed more regularity after LASIK. Complications were similar in the two groups. Patients preferred LASIK by a margin of 2 to 1 at 1 year but showed no preference at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Using a 6-mm-diameter single-pass, large area ablation and an automated microkeratome to treat myopia of -2.50 to -8.00 D with 1.00 D or less astigmatism in 1994, the authors used LASIK to produce a higher percentage of eyes with an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, more regular postoperative corneal topography, less postoperative pain, and more rapid recovery of baseline spectacle-corrected visual acuity than PRK. Both LASIK and PRK achieved successful correction of low-to-moderate myopia at 1 and 2 years after surgery.     

准分子激光角膜表层手术与基质层手术对眼波前像差的比较

目的:比较分析角膜表层与基质层屈光手术后高阶像差及其变化值。方法:行准分子激光治疗的近视眼患者100例200眼,其中接受LASIK手术50例100眼,接受新型表层手术(ASA)50例100眼。LASIK手术组术前等效球镜度(SE)为-1.25～-9.25(平均-5.75±1.74)D,ASA手术组术前SE为-2～-9.25(平均-5.42±1.81)D。术前及术后1,3,6mo检查裸眼视力(UCVA)、最佳矫正视力(BSCVA)、球镜及柱镜度数、SE以及波前像差等。结果:C7,C12,RMS3,RMS4,RMS5,RMS6和RMSh的变化值均和球镜度变化值、SE变化值的绝对值显著正相关。术后1mo,ASA组C7绝对值、RMSh,RMS3和RMS6均显著小于LASIK组;术后3mo时,ASA组C7和C14显著小于LASIK组,LASIK组C12显著小于ASA组;术后6mo时,ASA组仅C14显著优于LASIK组。术后1mo时,ASA组RMS3,RMS5,RMS6和RMSh的变化值均显著小于LASIK组,术后3mo时,ASA组RMS6变化值显著小于LASIK组,术后6mo时,ASA组RMS3,RMS6和RMSh的变化值显著小于LASIK组。结论:高阶像差增大程度与球镜度及SE的变化程度正相关。ASA组术后高阶像差及其增大程度均小于LASIK组,术后6mo时两组差异仍显著。     

Correlation of visual and refractive outcomes between eyes after same-session bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis surgery

PURPOSE: To determine whether between-eye refractive and visual outcomes after same-session laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery are correlated, and to determine whether suboptimal visual and refractive outcomes in one eye are predictive of poor results in the fellow eye. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. A total of 484 eyes of 242 patients met inclusion criteria of having undergone same-day LASIK surgery and having 3-month refractive and visual acuity outcomes. Statistical comparisons of outcomes were performed, including between-eye Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression models for predicting second-eye outcome. Main outcome measures were 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month uncorrected visual acuity and manifest refraction. RESULTS: Refractive outcomes at 1, 3, and 6 months between first (right) and second eyes were not found to be significantly different. No difference in uncorrected or best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was observed between first and second eyes Refractive outcomes of spherical equivalent, sphere, and cylinder and visual outcomes of uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were highly correlated between the two eyes. Analysis of cases with suboptimal outcomes (> or =1 diopter from intended correction or uncorrected acuity equal to or worse than 20/40) suggests that a poor refractive or visual outcome in the first eye increases the risk of a poor outcome in the second eye by approximately 20-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective analysis of refractive and visual outcomes from patients undergoing same-session bilateral LASIK demonstrates a high correlation of refractive and visual outcome between the eyes.     

Management of corneal ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis with INTACS

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS, INTACS, Keravision) for the correction of corneal ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: In this prospective, noncomparative case series, INTACS were implanted in three eyes (two patients) that were ectatic after LASIK. Mean follow-up was 8.7 months (range, 8 to 10 mo). RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred. After INTACS implantation, uncorrected visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/25 at 6 months and remained stable until 9 months. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was 0.50 D at 1 month and no significant changes appeared up to 9 months after INTACS implantation. After INTACS implantation, no eye lost any lines of Snellen spectacle-corrected visual acuity and two eyes gained from one to two lines. There was an increase in topographical regularity in all three eyes. CONCLUSION: Implantation of INTACS in eyes with corneal ectasia after LASIK resulted in good refractive outcome, absence of complications, and improvement in visual acuity.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis-induced (presumed) neurotrophic epitheliopathy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate tear production, corneal topography, accuracy of refractive correction, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in eyes that had moderate to severe rose bengal staining develop on the flap compared with eyes with little or no staining on the flap, the first few months after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). None of the eyes in this study had significant preoperative dry eye disease. DESIGN: Retrospective case control study. PARTICIPANTS: Individual eyes of 19 consecutive patients with moderate to severe punctate epithelial erosions and rose bengal staining on the flap 1 to 3 months after LASIK were compared with eyes of 19 concurrent patients who did not have punctate epithelial erosions or more than trace staining on the flap develop. METHODS: Nonparametric statistical analyses were used to compare tear secretion, corneal topographic irregularity, spherical equivalent, and visual acuity 3 and 6 months after surgery. Some eyes in both groups also had analysis of tear secretion 1 month after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Schirmer's test without anesthesia, the topographic corneal irregularity measurement (CIM), the difference between attempted and achieved spherical equivalent, and the loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: There was no difference in tear production 1, 3, or 6 months after LASIK in patients who had punctate epithelial erosions and rose bengal staining on the flap develop and those who did not. There was no significant difference in the CIM or mean accuracy of the refractive correction in the two groups, but some patients had a transient decrease in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Flap rose bengal staining resolved by 6 months after LASIK in most affected patients. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK-induced rose bengal staining in patients without preexisting dry eye is likely neurotrophic epitheliopathy, because there is no difference in mean tear production between patients who have significant punctate epithelial erosions and rose bengal staining develop on the flap and those who do not. The signs and symptoms of LASIK-induced (presumed) neurotrophic epitheliopathy tend to resolve approximately 6 months after surgery. This disorder tends to be more common and severe in patients with pre-existing dry eye disease.     

波前像差引导的LASIK手术的临床效果观察

目的观察波前像差引导的LASIK手术矫正近视性散光的效果。方法28例35只眼，平均术前球镜屈光度为（-4.8±2.3）D，柱镜屈光度为（-1.1±0.9）D。手术前和手术后均使用Tscherning像差计测量,分析波前像差。应用1.0mm光斑、频率200Hz的飞点扫描准分子激光进行屈光手术。结果术后3个月，68.0%的眼屈光度在±0.5D（正视眼）内，93.5%眼在±1.0D内。93.5%的裸眼视力为20/20或更好。裸眼超常视力(BSCVA在20/10或更好)占16.0%。高阶像差(球差，彗差)矫正不足，而波前像差全部均方根增加值为1.44±0.74，彗差的矫正好于球差。结论波前像差引导的LASIK手术是一种很可靠的技术，可有效地矫正屈光不正，改善视觉敏感度，提高视觉质量，尤其是提高夜间视力的视觉质量。     

Lower intraoperative flap complication rate with the Hansatome microkeratome compared to the Automated Corneal Shaper

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the incidence of intraoperative flap complications, such as partial flaps, donut-shaped flaps, central corneal cuts, and complete caps with the Hansatome and Automated Corneal Shaper (ACS) microkeratomes. METHODS: All laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures performed by a single surgeon with the Hansatome or Automated Corneal Shaper in which intraocular pressure was verified with a pneumotonometer were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 90 eyes had LASIK with the ACS microkeratome. Six of the ACS eyes (6.7%) had intraoperative flap complications (4 partial flaps, 1 donut-shaped flap, 0 central corneal cuts, 1 complete cap). Partial flaps and donut-shaped flaps were replaced without laser application and the procedure repeated 2 to 3 months later. Two of these eyes lost 2 lines and one lost 1 line of spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after repeat LASIK. The eye with the donut-shaped flap was treated with transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and had no change in spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after PRK. The eye with the complete cap had no change in spectacle-corrected visual acuity after laser ablation. Five hundred ninety-eight (598) eyes had LASIK with the Hansatome microkeratome. Two of the Hansatome eyes (0.3%) had a flap complication (1 partial flap and 1 donut-shaped flap). The first eye retained spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after repeat LASIK. The second eye had transepithelial PRK to eliminate the donut shaped flap with no loss of spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after surgery. The difference in flap complications between the two procedures was statistically significant (P < .01). There were no flap displacements following surgery in either group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative flap complications are less likely to occur with the Hansatome microkeratome than with the ACS microkeratome.     

Hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis: primary and secondary treatments are safe and effective

PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatment of eyes with primary hyperopia and consecutive hyperopia after initial myopic treatment. METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 19 patients with primary hyperopia (group 1) and 37 eyes of 26 patients with consecutive hyperopia after initial myopic LASIK overcorrection (group 2) that had LASIK for hyperopia with the Hansatome microkeratome and VISX S2 Smoothscan excimer laser with 6 months' follow-up after surgery were analyzed. Uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, fogged manifest refraction, and corneal topography with corneal irregularity measurement (CIM) were evaluated 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In group 1, the mean preoperative cycloplegic spherical equivalent was +4.0 +/- 4.5 diopters (D) (range, +1.5 to + 8.75 D) and the 6-month postoperative cycloplegic spherical equivalent was +0.26 +/- 1.74 D (range, -3.00 to +2.75 D). Fifty-three percent of eyes (n= 17) in group 1 were within 1 D of emmetropia. Sixty-six percent of eyes (n= 21) had uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/40. Three eyes (9%) lost two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Changes in uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and the CIM topographic index 6 months after surgery were statistically significant compared with the preoperative values. In group 2, the mean preoperative cycloplegic spherical equivalent was +1.58 +/- 0.35 D (range, +0.125 to +2.75 D), and the mean postoperative cycloplegic spherical equivalent was -0.48 +/- 0.46 (range, -2.75 to +0.38 D). Eighty-six percent of eyes (n= 32) were within 1 D of emmetropia. Eighty-four percent of eyes (n= 31) in group 2 had uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/40. One eye (2.7%) lost two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Complications included an epithelial nest that resolved 3 months after surgery in one eye in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK is a relatively safe treatment of primary hyperopia and hyperopia resulting from overcorrection after initial LASIK treatment of myopia (consecutive hyperopia). Patients with high hyperopia (>5 D) are at risk for loss of two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. A reduction in the level of attempted correction appears to be necessary in the treatment of consecutive hyperopia.     

波前像差引导的LASIK术矫正眼球像差

目的：观察波前像差引导的LASIK术矫正人眼像差后的效果,以确定人眼是否获得超过一般的视敏度。方法：波前像差引导的LASIK手术对15只眼矫正近视和散光,同时矫正眼球的像差。结果：手术后1个月,4只眼（占27％）获得了20／10以上的超常视力。波前像差的均方根值从0．6增加到2．3,与视觉敏感度的提高呈显著性相关（P＜0．05）。结论：像差的矫正虽然还不能最令人满意,但这些结果表明,眼球的像差使人眼视敏度受限制,而通过手术矫正可获得超过一般的视敏度。     

Custom-contoured ablation pattern method for the treatment of decentered laser ablations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the custom-contoured ablation pattern (C-CAP) method as a tool for providing customized laser ablations for decentered ablations based on corneal topography data. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: In a prospective noncomparative interventional case series, 8 eyes from 7 post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients and 1 post-photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) patient with symptomatic laser decentration were treated with the C-CAP method. The Zeiss Humphrey topography system was used to identify and analyze decentered ablations. The computer software allowed the surgeon to preoperatively model the effect of various ablation schemes on the preoperative topography until a scheme that alleviated the decentration was identified. The planned ablation parameters, which included size, depth, and location of the ablation, were programmed into the Visx S4 excimer laser before treatment. RESULTS: The mean follow-up after C-CAP ablation was 4.2 months (range 1.8 to 6.3 months). At the last postoperative examination, no eye lost a line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved by 3 lines in 1 eye (12.5%), by 2 lines in 1 eye (12.5%), and by 1 line in 3 eyes (37.5%); it remained unchanged in 2 eyes (25.0%) and decreased by 1 line in 1 eye (12.5%). The BSCVA improved by 3 lines in 1 eye (12.5%), by 2 lines in 2 eyes (25.0%), and by 1 line in 3 eyes (37.5%); it remained unchanged in 2 eyes (25.0%). In all eyes, including those without improvement in UCVA or BSCVA, a significant improvement in centration and subjective complaints was achieved. The pre-C-CAP and post-C-CAP root-mean-square (RMS) wavefront data were available in 5 of 8 eyes. The total and higher-order RMS aberrations decreased by 41.7% (P =.0027) and 45.5% (P =.039), respectively, after C-CAP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Early U.S. results show the topography-driven C-CAP method is an effective tool to address untreatable postsurgical decentration. This method is presented as a technique to enhance the overall quality of vision, reduce patient-perceived visual aberrations, regularize the corneal surface, and maximize BSCVA.     

The effect of punctal occlusion on wavefront aberrations in dry eye patients after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To compare the wavefront aberrations in post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) dry eye patients before and after punctal occlusion. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study. METHODS: Wavefront aberrometry was performed on 16 eyes of eight patients with dry eyes after LASIK surgery. Wavefront measurements were taken before and 1 month after punctal plug placement and compared with 10 eyes of post-LASIK patients without clinically dry eyes measured twice 1 month apart. Student t tests were used to assess the statistical significance of differences between pre- and post-punctal plug measurements. RESULTS: Punctal occlusion in the post-LASIK dry eye patients significantly reduced total, lower, and higher order wavefront aberrations by 47% to 63% (P <.01). Among higher-order aberrations, there were significant reductions in coma and spherical aberration but not in trefoil, after punctal occlusion. The reduction of wavefront aberrations by punctal occlusion in post-LASIK dry eye patients resulted in a significant improvement in quantitative visual acuity assessed using an Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart and in subjective qualitative vision, confirmed by convolutional analysis using image simulation. No statistically significant differences in any of these metrics were found in the post-LASIK control group without clinically dry eyes measured twice at a similar time interval. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront aberrometry provides a useful, objective assessment of post-LASIK dry eye patients before and after punctal plug placement. Aggressive treatment of dry eyes may be important before obtaining wavefront measurements that serve as the basis for planning refractive corneal laser treatments and retreatments.     

Induced optical aberrations following formation of a laser in situ keratomileusis flap

PURPOSE: To determine how refractive error, visual acuity, and high-order aberrations (3rd- and 4th-order) are affected by the formation of a lamellar corneal flap during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: University refractive surgery center. METHODS: The effect of lamellar corneal flap formation was analyzed in 15 myopic eyes (mean preoperative refraction -4.72 diopters [D] [range -1.25 to -7.25 D]). The flap was created using a 2-step procedure: (1). a nasally hinged lamellar corneal flap was created; (2). the flap was lifted and stromal ablation performed 2 months after the flap was made. A Hartmann-Shack aberrometer was used to measure the aberrations. RESULTS: There was no significant change in the refractive error (spherical equivalent pre-flap -4.72 +/- 1.99 D and post-flap -4.62 +/- 1.99 D [P =.28]) or visual acuity (pre-flap uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA] 0.07 and best corrected visual acuity [BCVA] 0.96; post-flap UCVA 0.08 and BCVA 0.95 [P =.16 and P =.33, respectively]). A statistically significant increase in total higher-order wavefront aberrations was observed following flap formation (root mean square pre-flap 0.344 +/- 0.125 and post-flap 0.440 +/- 0.221 [P =.04]). CONCLUSION: Flap formation during LASIK can modify the eye's existing natural higher-order aberrations (especially spherical and coma-like aberrations along the axis of the flap's hinge), while visual acuity and refractive error remain unaffected.