Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 Excimer laser.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed for 92 eyes of 62 consecutive patients to evaluate uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and manifest refraction before and 3 and 6 months after LASIK (Moria LSK-ONE microkeratome, Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser). Eyes were divided into groups: Group 1 (low hyperopia) for spherical correction of +1.00 to +3.00 D (22 eyes), Group 2 (low hyperopic astigmatism) for toric correction with spherical equivalent refraction of +1.00 to +3.00 D (18 eyes), Group 3 (moderate hyperopia) for spherical correction of +3.25 to +6.00 D (10 eyes), and Group 4 (moderate hyperopic astigmatism) for toric correction with spherical equivalent refraction between +3.25 and +6.00 D (18 eyes). RESULTS: At 3 and 6 months after LASIK, 68 eyes (73.9%) were available for follow-up examination. Percentage of eyes with a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia for Group 1 was 54.5% (12 eyes); Group 2, 50% (9 eyes); Group 3, 40% (4 eyes), and Group 4, 38.8% (7 eyes). UCVA > or =20/20 in Group 1 was 14% and in Groups 2, 3, and 4, 0%. One eye (5.5%) lost two lines of BSCVA. CONCLUSION: LASIK with the Moria LSK-ONE microkeratome and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser reduced low and moderate hyperopia and was within +/-0.50 D of target outcome in approximately 50% of eyes. Undercorrection was evident in all groups. The procedure was safe.     

LASIK for hyperopia with the WaveLight excimer laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser system (WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, Erlangen, Germany) in LASIK for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: One hundred twenty consecutive LASIK cases for hyperopia with or without astigmatism treated with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser were prospectively evaluated up to 12 months postoperatively. Patients were allocated into three groups according to their refractive sphere and cylinder: a low hyperopia group, with up to +3.00 diopters (D) sphere and astigmatism < or = +1.00 D (n = 52); a moderate hyperopia group with +3.25 to +5.00 D sphere and astigmatism of < or = +1.00 D (n = 45); and a high hyperopia/toric group with sphere > or = +5.25 D or cylinder > or = +1.25.D (n = 23). Flaps were created with the Moria M2 microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France). Parameters evaluated were pre- and postoperative refractive error, uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), higher order aberration change, and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: One hundred twelve eyes (93%) were available for follow-up at 12 months. Of the eyes in the low hyperopia group, 92% were within +/- 0.50 D of the refractive goal. For the moderate sphere group and the high hyperopia/toric group, 79% and 71% of eyes, respectively, were within +/- 0.50 D of the refractive goal. No eye lost > or = 2 lines of BSCVA. An increase in higher order aberrations was noted in the high hyperopia/toric group from 0.47 microm (+/- 0.096) to 0.94 microm (+/- 0.167) (P < .001). No significant changes in higher order aberrations were noted in the low and moderate hyperopia groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperopic LASIK using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser appears to be safe and effective in the correction of low, moderate, and high hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism with the Technolas 117C

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: Fifty-four hyperopic eyes of 35 patients with a spherical equivalent refraction between +1.00 and +6.00 D were followed for at least 12 months following LASIK. All surgery was performed with the scanning Chiron Technolas Keracor 117C excimer laser. Data on uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity, predictability, stability of refraction, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: At 12 months, the average residual refraction was +0.29 +/- 0.78 D; 83.3% of eyes (45 eyes) were in the range of +/- 1.00 D and 61.1% of eyes (33 eyes) were within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia. Fifty eyes (92.6%) had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and 34 (63.0%) eyes had 20/20 or better. One eye (1.9%) lost two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and two eyes (3.7%) gained two or more lines. Two patients (two eyes, 3.7%) had complaints of halos and one patient (one eye, 1.9%) had glare at 12 months after LASIK for hyperopia. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK was used to treat hyperopia from +1.00 to +6.00 D with good predictability and safety. Primary and second hyperopia require different nomograms, according to our experience.     

Photorefractive keratectomy using the meditec MEL 70 G-scan laser for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using Gaussian flying spot technology in the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: Two hundred eyes were evaluated with 12-month follow-up. An Asclepion-Meditec MEL 70 G-scan flying spot ArF excimer laser with a Gaussian scanner was used (6.0-mm treatment zone and 9.0-mm transition zone). Eyes were divided into four groups: Group 1 (spherical hyperopia up to +3.50 D and astigmatism less than 1.00 D, n=62); Group 2 (hyperopia up to +3.50 D and astigmatism of 1.00 D or more, n=44); Group 3 (hyperopia greater than +3.50 D and astigmatism less than 1.00 D, n=56); and Group 4 (hyperopia greater than +3.50 D and astigmatism of 1.00 D or more, n=38). RESULTS: In Group 1, 82.2% (51/62 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D of target refraction; 88.7% (55/62 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 1.6% (1/62 eye) lost two or more lines, 3.2% (2/62 eyes) gained two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In Group 2, 68.1% (30/44 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D; 77.2% (34/44 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 9.1% (4/44 eyes) lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In Group 3, 76.8% (43/56 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D; 78.6% (44/56 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 5.4% (3/56 eyes) lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In Group 4, 42% (16/38 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D; 60.5% (23/38 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 15.8% (6/38 eyes) lost two or more Snellen lines. CONCLUSION: PRK with the flying spot Meditec MEL 70 G-scan was most safe and effective for low hyperopia.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and hyperopia using the Lasersight 200 laser in 300 consecutive eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate effectiveness, safety, predictability, and short-term stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the LaserSight Compac-200 Mini excimer laser with software version 9.0, for all refractive errors. METHODS: One hundred fifty consecutive patients (300 eyes) that received bilateral LASIK for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism were studied prospectively. A new 9.0 software version applying a modified nomogram that takes advantage of bilateral surgery was used. Follow-up at 6 months was available for 267 eyes (89%). RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, 131 eyes (96.32%) in the low to moderate myopia group (-1.00 to -5.99 D; n=136) had a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D, and 123 eyes (90.44%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. In the high to extreme myopia group (-6.00 to -25.00 D; n=114), 97 eyes (87.08%) had a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D and 78 eyes (68.42%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. In the hyperopia group (+1.00 to +6.00 D; n=50), 44 eyes (88%) had a postoperative spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D, and 31 eyes (62%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. Mean change in spherical equivalent refraction at 6 months was less than -0.50 D in the low to high myopia groups and -1.16 +/- 0.55 D in the extreme myopia group. At 6 months follow-up, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 73 eyes (54%) in the low to moderate myopia groups and 21 eyes (18%) in the high to extreme myopia groups. In the hyperopia group at 6 months follow-up, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 31 eyes (62%) and 20/40 or better in 41 eyes (82%). Only two eyes had a temporary loss of two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to corneal folds that were surgically treated. Six months after LASIK, no eye had lost any lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified LASIK nomogram with the 9.0 software of the LaserSight 200 excimer laser (with a larger and smoother ablation pattern) resulted in safe and effective outcomes for the treatment of low to high myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for spherical hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism using the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, predictability, and safety of LASIK for the surgical correction of low to moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism using the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. METHODS: In a multicenter United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated study of LASIK, 7 centers enrolled 293 eyes with manifest refraction sphere that ranged from +0.50 to +6.00 diopters (D) with or without astigmatism up to 3.00 D. The intended outcome was plano in all eyes. Patients were treated bilaterally. One year postoperative outcomes are reported. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent refraction (MRSE) for all eyes changed from +2.61 +/- 1.19 D (range: +0.50 to +6.63 D) preoperatively to +0.35 +/- 0.54 D (range: -1.63 to +2.00 D) 1 year postoperatively. Overall, 61% (170/279) of eyes achieved distance uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better, 82% (228/279) of eyes saw 20/25 or better, and 99% (277/279) of eyes saw 20/40 or better. Refractive accuracy was demonstrated as 63.1% (176/279) of eyes achieved a MRSE within +/- 0.50 D and 90.3% (252/279) of eyes within +/- 1.00 D. Less than 2% (4/279) of eyes lost 2 lines of distance best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Stability of refraction was demonstrated by 6 months, with a mean hyperopic shift of < 0.03 D from 3 to 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The NIDEK EC-5000 corrected hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism with UCVA, refractive accuracy, 1-year stability, and safety that surpassed all FDA criteria.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism using the Meditec MEL 70 spot scanner

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety, predictability, efficacy, and stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for spherical hyperopia and hyperopia with astigmatism. METHODS: In this retrospective study we analyzed the results of 23 eyes of 23 patients who had LASIK for spherical hyperopia (preoperative cylinder < or = 0.75 D) and 44 eyes of 44 patients who had LASIK for hyperopia with astigmatism; (Bausch & Lomb Hansatome microkeratome with a 180-microm plate and a suction ring for a 9.5-mm flap diameter; Asclepion-Meditec MEL 70 G-scan flying spot laser with a 1.8-mm Gaussian beam). RESULTS: In Group 1 (spherical hyperopia), mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was +4.88 +/- 2.13 D (range +2.13 to +9.63 D); in Group 2 (hyperopic astigmatism), +4.33 +/- 2.15 D (range +0.50 to +9.50 D). One year after LASIK, mean spherical equivalent refraction was +0.30 +/- 0.90 D (range -0.75 to +2.50 D) in Group 1 and +0.29 +/- 1.27 D (range -3.25 to +3.25 D) in Group 2. In Group 1, 78%, and in Group 2, 42% were within +/- 0.50 D. In Group 1, no eyes lost two or more lines, and one eye (6%) lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 1 year. In Group 2, one eye (4%) lost one line and one eye (4%) lost more than two lines at 1 year. Uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 83% (Group 1) vs. 62% (Group 2) at 1 year; these values improved to 100% vs. 71% for corrections up to +6.00 D. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK with the Meditec MEL 70 G-Scan flying spot laser seemed to be safe and effective for hyperopia and hyperopia with astigmatism for corrections up to +6.00 D. Large flap diameters are necessary to avoid epithelial ingrowth.     

Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and safety of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the Visx CustomVue excimer laser (Advanced Medical Optics) in eyes with consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after LASIK. SETTING: Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 19 eyes of 16 patients who had wavefront-guided LASIK for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after initial LASIK surgery. Primary outcome variables, including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), higher-order aberration (HOA) analysis, and spherical equivalence, were evaluated at 1 and 3 months. Nine eyes of 7 patients were available for all visits. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51.7 years +/- 3.77 (SD) (range 44 to 55 years). The mean preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was 0.99 +/- 0.32 diopters (D) (range 0.50 to 1.50 D) and the mean 3-month postoperative MRSE, -0.04 +/- 0.66 D (range -1.50 to 0.75 D). At 1 month, 57.9% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/20 or better and 78.9% of 20/25 or better; 84.2% were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. At 3 months, 66.7% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/20 or better and 88.9% of 20/25 or better; 88.9% were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. No eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA at 1 or 3 months. CONCLUSION: Wavefront-guided LASIK was an effective, predictable, and safe procedure for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after LASIK.     

Five-year follow-up of laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia using the Technolas Keracor 117C excimer laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety, predictability, efficiency, and long-term stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for spherical hyperopia. METHODS: This study was a retrospective 5-year analysis of 67 patients (125 eyes) who had LASIK for spherical hyperopia; preoperative mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction was +3.84+/-1.13 D (range +1.00 to +6.50 D) and mean astigmatism was 0.37+/-0.27 D (range 0 to 1.00 D). Preoperative spherical equivalent refraction for the low hyperopia group was +1.00 to +2.75 D; medium hyperopia group, +3.00 to +4.25 D, and high hyperopia group, +4.50 to +6.50 D. All surgeries were performed using the scanning Chiron Technolas Keracor 117C excimer laser. Uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, predictability, long-term stability of refraction, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: At 5 years after hyperopic LASIK, mean spherical equivalent refraction for the low hyperopia group was +0.48D+/-0.79 D; medium hyperopia group, +1.52+/-1.45 D; high hyperopia group C, +3.39+/-1.98 D. The percentage of eyes with a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia for the low hyperopia group was 63% (37 eyes); medium hyperopia group, 42% (20 eyes); high hyperopia group, 22% (4 eyes). Eyes with chronic dry eye symptoms had a mean difference in spherical equivalent refraction from target refraction of +1.43 D compared with +0.84 D for eyes without dry eye symptoms. Five eyes (4%) lost 2 lines of BSCVA at 5 years. CONCLUSION: LASIK was safe, effective, and stable for primary hyperopia between +1.00 and +3.00 D. Higher amounts of hyperopia had poor long-term stability, especially eyes with more than +4.25 D. Chronic dry eye symptoms were associated with regression over time.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of hyperopia from +1.25 to +5.00 diopters with the Technolas Keracor 117C laser

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with hyperopia and to evaluate the visual and refractive results of the procedure. METHODS: LASIK was performed on 85 eyes of 53 patients for correction of hyperopia, with a preoperative mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction of +3.31 +/- 0.69 D (range, +1.25 to +5.00 D) and mean refractive astigmatism of +0.91 +/- 1.06 D (range, 0 to +3.00 D). The Carriazo-Barraquer (Moria) manual microkeratome was used to create the corneal flap, and laser ablation was performed using the Technolas Keracor 117C excimer laser with an ablation zone diameter of 6.0 mm and a transition zone diameter to 9.0 mm. Follow-up was 12 months for all patients. RESULTS: Refraction was stable by 3 months after surgery. At 1 year after LASIK, the mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction was +0.43 +/- 0.57 D (range, -1.25 to +2.00 D) and refractive astigmatism was reduced to a mean of 0.36 +/- 0.30 D (range, 0 to 1.00 D). Fifty-two eyes (61.2%) had a manifest spherical equivalent refraction within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia, and 76 eyes (89.4%) were within +/- 1.00 D. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 in 21 eyes (24.7%) and 20/40 or better in 79 eyes (92.9%). Spectacle-corrected visual acuity was reduced by two lines in one eye (1.2%) and improved by two lines in five eyes (5.9%). There were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: LASIK was an effective, safe, and predictable procedure for the correction of hyperopia up to +5.00 D and hyperopic astigmatism up to +3.00 D with the Technolas Keracor 117C excimer laser. The large size of the corneal flap obtained by the Carriazo-Barraquer (Moria) manual microkeratome facilitated laser ablation entirely in the exposed corneal stromal bed.     

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.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia of -1.50 to -6.00 diopters

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of low and moderate myopia and astigmatism using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with a modified algorithm. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-six eyes of 257 patients with myopia ranging from -1.50 to -6.00 D and astigmatism of no more than 4.00 D were included. Manifest spherical equivalent refraction, uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity were assessed at 1 month (357 eyes, 90%), 3 months (220 eyes, 56%), and 6 months (168 eyes, 42%) after LASIK. RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -3.60 +/- 1.27 D and mean cylinder was -1.01 +/- 1.08 D. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -0.12 +/- 0.31 D and mean cylinder was -0.19 +/- 0.33 D. At 6 months follow-up, 158 eyes (94%) had a mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia; 168 eyes (100%) were within +/- 1.00 D. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 81% (136 eyes) and 20/40 or better in 100%. Two eyes (1.2%) lost 1 line of spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to a decentered ablation. No eye lost 2 or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Our modified LASIK algorithm with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser resulted in safe and predictable outcomes for treatment of low and moderate amounts of myopia and astigmatism.     

Toric laser in situ keratomileusis for myopic astigmatism using an ablatable mask

BACKGROUND: To assess the results of toric laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) correction of myopic astigmatism. METHODS: A prospective study was performed over a 20 week period for consecutive patients treated for myopic astigmatism. Spectacle-corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, spectacle refraction, videokeratography, and complications were recorded. Vector analysis was performed by the ASSORT program. RESULTS: Sixty-five eyes of 42 patients underwent toric LASIK with a Summit Technologies Apex Plus excimer laser. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction at the spectacle plane was -6.24 +/- 2.42 D (range, -1.63 to -14.63 D) and mean pre-operative refractive cylinder magnitude was 1.99 +/- 1.35 D (range, 0.75 to 7.00 D); mean attempted refractive cylinder correction was 1.90 +/- 1.00 D. Six months after LASIK (43 eyes followed), mean spherical equivalent refraction at the spectacle plane was -0.40 +/- 0.55 D and 31 eyes (72.1%) were within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia. At 6 months, mean refractive cylinder magnitude was 0.74 +/- 0.70 D, mean surgically induced astigmatism was 1.46 +/- 0.86 D, mean absolute angle of error was 10.33 degrees, mean astigmatic correction index was 0.93 +/- 0.36 D, and mean index of success was 0.46 +/- 0.39. Uncorrected visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 34 eyes (79.1%) and 6/6 in 15 eyes (35%); spectacle- corrected visual acuity was 6/9 or better in 41 eyes (95.35%). Six eyes (14.0%) lost 1 line of spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months and one eye (2.3%) lost 2 lines. Ten eyes (23.3%) gained 1 line at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Toric LASIK with an ablatable mask using the Summit Apex Plus excimer laser is a safe and relatively accurate procedure for the correction of myopic astigmatism.     

LASIK correction of spherical hyperopia,hyperopic astigmatism,and mixed astigmatism with the LADARVision excimer laser system

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of the LADARVision active tracking narrow beam excimer laser system (Alcon Surgical, Orlando, FL) using laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of spherical hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, and mixed astigmatism. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective non-randomized (self-controlled) comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 360 eyes, including 152 spherical hyperopic, 143 hyperopic astigmatic, and 65 mixed astigmatic, were treated for up to +6.00-diopter (D) sphere with up to -6.00-D cylinder. INTERVENTION: Treatments were performed at six sites in the United States using a 6-mm optic zone with a 1.5-mm peripheral blend zone for a maximum ablation zone diameter of 9 mm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, vector analysis, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), complications and adverse reactions, subjective symptoms, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Six and 12 months of follow-up, respectively, were available on 143 and 117 spherical hyperopic eyes, 124 and 74 hyperopic astigmatic eyes, and 57 and 38 mixed astigmatic eyes, respectively. For spherical hyperopes at 6 and 12 months, UCVA was 20/40 or better in 93.4% and 93.9% of eyes, respectively. The manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) was within 0.50 D of intended in 65.0% and 74.1% of eyes, respectively, and within 1.00 D in 87.4% and 91.4%, respectively. Refractive stability was demonstrated in 94.2% or more of eyes between the intervals of 1 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months and in 95.3% or more of eyes to 12 months. A loss of two lines of BSCVA occurred in 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively, and no eyes lost more than two lines. For hyperopic astigmats at 6 and 12 months, UCVA was 20/40 or better in 90.9% and 93.8% of eyes, respectively. The MRSE was within 0.50 D of intended in 60.5% and 73.0% of eyes, respectively, and within 1.00 D in 88.7% and 89.2% of eyes, respectively. Refractive stability was demonstrated in 96.5% or more of eyes, respectively, between the intervals of 1 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months and 95.5% or more to 12 months. A loss of two lines of BSCVA occurred in 5.8% and 1.4% of eyes, respectively, and no eyes lost more than two lines. For mixed astigmats at 6 and 12 months, UCVA was 20/40 or better in 92.6% and 94.4% of eyes, respectively. The MRSE was within 0.50 D of intended in 64.9% and 73.7% of eyes, respectively, and within 1.00 D in 87.7% and 94.7% of eyes, respectively. Refractive stability was demonstrated in 100% of eyes between the intervals of 1 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months and in 97.0% or more to 12 months. A loss of two lines of BSCVA occurred in 1.9% and 0.0% of eyes, respectively, and no eyes lost more than two lines. CONCLUSIONS: The data support safety and effectiveness of the LASIK correction of spherical hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, and mixed astigmatism with the LADARVision system.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for recurrent hyperopia following laser thermal keratoplasty

PURPOSE: Laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK) has its main indication in the correction of hyperopia. However, regression of refractive effect following LTK is a limitation. Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) may provide a good alternative to correct residual refractive errors. METHODS: Fifty hyperopic eyes with varying amounts of regression after LTK underwent LASIK. The Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome was used to make a flap of 160 microm and laser ablation was performed with the Technolas 217 Planoscan excimer laser. Postoperative follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS: Mean spherical equivalent refraction improved from +2.92+/-1.60 D to +0.36+/-1.48 D. Mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity changed from 0.78+/-0.14 before LASIK to 0.76+/-0.16 D 6 months after LASIK. Mean uncorrected visual acuity changed from 0.37+/-0.16 to 0.66+/-0.24. Forty-two percent (21 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D of intended correction, 60% (30 eyes) were within +/-1.00 D, and 76% (38 eyes) were within +/-2.00 D. After LASIK, confluent haze between previous LTK spots was observed in most eyes, as LASIK ablation took place at the sites of the LTK spots. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK after LTK is a good alternative for hyperopic regression. Predictability and efficacy are less than with primary LASIK for hyperopia, but the procedure is equally safe.     

Phakic refractive lens (Medennium) for correction of +4.00 to +6.00 diopters: 1-year follow-up

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy and safety of phakic refractive lens (PRL) implantation to correct high hyperopia. METHODS: Inclusion criteria for this prospective, observer-masked, interventional study were spherical equivalent > or =+4.00 diopters (D) of cycloplegic hyperopia, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) > or =0.5, anterior chamber depth > or =3 mm, and mesopic pupil size < or =6 mm. Lenses were implanted in all cases under regional anesthesia using forceps. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of nine patients were included in the study. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was +5.65+/-1.41 D (range: +3.25 to +5.75 D). Mean 1-year postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was +0.07+/-0.43 D (range: -0.50 to 0.75 D). Fifteen (93.75%) eyes were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia, and 16 (100%) eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. Safety and efficacy indexes were 0.9 and 0.8, respectively. Eight (50%) eyes needed LASIK to correct residual astigmatism. Five (31.25%) eyes lost one line of BSCVA; no eye lost two or more lines of BSCVA. The BSCVA did not increase in any eye. No significant intraocular complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Phakic refractive lens implantation to correct high hyperopia seems to be a safe and accurate procedure. A mild but significant loss in BSCVA can be anticipated.     

Combined posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens and laser in situ keratomileusis: bioptics for extreme myopia.

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of combined posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with extreme myopia. METHODS: We analyzed the results of 67 eyes that received a posterior chamber hydrogel-collagen plate phakic IOL (STAAR Collamer Implantable Contact Lens) and also underwent secondary LASIK for the correction of extreme myopia. Mean follow-up was 3 months after the LASIK portion of the procedure (range, 1 day to 6 mo after LASIK). RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -23.00 +/- 3.60 D (range, -18.75 to -35.00 D), and mean refractive cylinder was 1.50 +/- 1.20 D (range, 0 to 5.00 D). Mean spherical equivalent refraction after IOL implantation and before LASIK was -6.00 +/- 2.80 D (range, -2.00 to -14.38 D) and mean refractive cylinder 1.50 +/- 1.10 D (range, 0 to 5.00 D). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction at last examination after the LASIK portion of the two-part phakic IOL-LASIK procedure was -0.20 +/- 0.90 D (range, +1.75 to -5.13 D), and mean refractive cylinder was 0.50 +/- 0.50 (range, 0 to 2.25 D). Eighty-five percent (57 eyes) were within +/- 1.00 D and 67% (45 eyes) were within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia at last examination. The refractions remained stable with a statistically insignificant change (P > .05 at each interval) during follow-up. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity at last examination was 20/20 or better in 3% (2 eyes) and 20/40 or better in 69% (46 eyes). A gain of 2 or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity was seen in 51 eyes (76%) and no eyes lost 2 or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity at last examination. CONCLUSION: Combined posterior chamber phakic IOL implantation with the STAAR Collamer plate lens and LASIK (bioptics) is an effective and reasonably predictable method for correcting myopia from -18 to -35 D. Gains in spectacle-corrected visual acuity were common, and results demonstrated good short-term safety and refractive stability.     

Hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis to treat overcorrected myopic LASIK

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in treating hyperopia caused by overcorrected myopic LASIK and to evaluate a new technique to place the hyperopic treatment after lifting the initial myopic flap. SETTING: Open-access outpatient excimer laser surgical facility. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 54 eyes in 47 patients who had spherical hyperopic LASIK by 21 surgeons for the treatment of significant hyperopia after overcorrected LASIK for myopia. In 42 eyes, the initial LASIK flaps were lifted and in 12 eyes, new flaps were cut. The mean age of the 25 men (53%) and 22 women (47%) was 48.2 years +/- 8.4 (SD). Outcome measures included refractive error, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and complications. The mean follow-up was 2.97 months. RESULTS: In eyes in which postoperative emmetropia was attempted (n = 45), the mean spherical equivalent improved from +1.21 +/- 0.49 diopters (D) preoperatively to -0.38 +/- 0.50 D postoperatively (P <.001). The mean UCVA improved from 20/38.6 +/- 16.3 to 20/27.4 +/- 9.4 (P <.001). At the last follow-up, 69% of eyes were within +/-0.5 D and 96% were within +/-1.0 D of emmetropia; 42% had a UCVA of 20/20 and 96% had a UCVA of 20/40 or better. No eyes lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. No vision-threatening complications occurred. Results in patients who had initial flaps lifted and those who had new flaps cut were statistically indistinguishable. On average, achieved hyperopic corrections were 18% greater than intended. CONCLUSION: Hyperopic LASIK was safe, predictable, and effective in the treatment of hyperopia caused by overcorrected myopic LASIK. Results were similar whether the original flap was lifted or a new one was cut.     

Laser-in-situ-Keratomileusis zur Korrektur von Hyperopie und hyperopem Astigmatismus mit Scanning-Spot-Excimer-Laser

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, predictability, stability and complications of LASIK for the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism using a scanning spot excimer laser. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 64 consecutive LASIK operations (37 patients, mean age 41 years, range 22-68 years) have been evaluated. The Hansatome microkeratome producing a superior hinge (flap diameter 9.5 mm) and a scanning spot excimer laser with an optical zone of 6.0 mm were used. Examinations were performed preoperatively, after 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 4 and 12 months. RESULTS: One year after the primary procedure only 1 eye lost 2 or more lines of best-corrected visual acuity, 91% were within +/-1 line and 4 eyes gained 2 lines. Of these eyes 50 (86%) reached an uncorrected visual acuity of > or=0.5, 32 (55%) > or=0.8, 16 (28%) > or=1.0, 24 eyes (41%) needed a refractive correction of +/-0.5 D, 44 eyes (76%) of +/-1.0 D and 55 eyes (95%) of +/-2.0 D. The mean spherical equivalent after 1 year was +0.17+/-0.85 D. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK is suitable for the correction of hyperopia (up to a maximum of +5 D) and for hyperopic astigmatism (up to a maximum of -5 D). However, results were better in lower hyperopia (up to +3 D) than in the moderate hyperopia. The refractive results showed overall a good stability during the 12-month study period, but higher regression occurred in a few cases.     

Photorefractive keratectomy for astigmatism with the Meditec MEL 60 laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in eyes treated with astigmatic refractive errors. METHODS: Nine hundred forty eyes were treated with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 ArF excimer laser. Treatment groups were: Group 1 (n=746) eyes with compound myopic astigmatism, Group 2 (n=104) eyes with compound hyperopic astigmatism, Group 3 (n=75) eyes treated for mixed astigmatism, and Group 4 (n=15) eyes with simple myopic astigmatism (negative cylinder). RESULTS: In Group 1, the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction of -6.10 D with an average of -1.50 D cylinder decreased to -0.95 D with -0.13 D cylinder; uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better was achieved in 86% (642/746 eyes); 20/20 or better in 58% (433/746 eyes); 0.8% (6/746 eyes) lost two lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity (SCVA); 74% (552/746 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D and 93% (694/746 eyes) were within +/-1.00 D of target refraction. In Group 2, preoperative mean +4.57 D spherical equivalent refraction with an average of +1.57 D cylinder decreased to +1.13 D with +0.38 D cylinder; UCVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 84% (87/104 eyes); 20/20 or better in 46% (48/104 eyes); 14,4% (15/104 eyes) lost two or more lines of SCVA; 52% (54/104 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D and 82% (85/104 eyes) were within +/-1.00 D of target refraction. In Group 3, mean preoperative -4.20 D cylinder and +3.00 D spherical equivalent refraction decreased to -0.50 D cylinder and -0.50 D spherical equivalent refraction; UCVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 83% (62/75 eyes); 20/20 or better in 32% (24/75 eyes); 13.3% (10/75 eyes) lost two or more lines of SCVA. In Group 4, mean preoperative -3.98 D cylinder decreased to -0.62 D cylinder; UCVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 60% (9/15 eyes); none of the eyes achieved 20/20 or better; SCVA remained stable in 6.6% (1/15 eyes) and decreased two or more lines in 20.0% (3/15 eyes); 20% (3/15 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D and 53.3% (8/15 eyes) were within +/-1.00 D of target refraction. CONCLUSION: PRK with the Meditec MEL 60 laser produced the best results in eyes with compound myopic astigmatism (Group 1). In all other groups, results were less predictable.