Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) has been extensively evaluated for the correction of myopia. This study was undertaken to assess the safety, efficacy, and reliability of PRK in the correction of hyperopia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 28 eyes with refractions of +1 to +7.75 D treated for hyperopia with the Chiron Technolas 217-C excimer laser. Thorough visual assessments were made before treatment and at regular follow-up to 18 months. Complications and patient satisfaction were noted.

RESULTS

At 18 months the mean subjective refraction was +0.46+/-1.00 D with 26 eyes (92.8%) within 1 D of emmetropia. Thirteen eyes (46.4%) achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better and all patients had an UCVA of > or = 20/32 or better. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained unchanged in 26 eyes (92.8%) and improved in 2 eyes (7.2%). On the seventh day from treatment, 17 eyes (25%) had a loss of 2 or more lines of BCVA. At 15 days this was reduced to 8 eyes (14.3%) and at one month to 3 eyes (3.6%). There were no cases of loss of 2 or more lines of BCVA at 18 months of follow-up. All patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Photorefractive keratectomy safely and effectively reduced hyperopia in the patients studied. The technique was reliable and still offered good results at 18 months of follow-up.