Hyperopic shift after refractive keratotomy using the Casebeer System.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree of hyperopic shift following refractive keratotomy.


METHODS
The Werblin Center, Princeton, West Virginia.


METHODS
The results of 241 consecutive radial/astigmatic keratotomy procedures in 128 patients were studied. All procedures were performed using Casebeer nomograms. Refractive follow-up information was obtained for 78% of patients at 3 months (range 1 to 6 months), 1 year (range 6 to 21 months), and 3 years (range 30 to 44 months).


RESULTS
Overall, the amount of hyperopic change decreased significantly (P < .05) during the 3 year period, from + 0.34 diopters (D) per year to + 0.12 D per year. Eyes with more than 6.0 D of preoperative intended correction were more unstable (+ 0.49 D in the first year and + 0.44 D in the second and third years) than eyes with less than 5.0 D (+ 0.27 D and + 0.05, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Because the average magnitude of the hyperopic shift was + 0.6 D in the first 3 years after surgery, a slight undercorrection, -0.5 D to -0.7 D, should be the refractive endpoint for primary and enhanced refractive keratotomy surgery.
Werblin
T P
TP
Stafford
G M
GM
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014792:Visual Acuity