Photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia using an erodible disc and axicon lens: 2-year results.
BACKGROUND
This paper presents the results over a 2-year follow-up of the first human trial of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correction of hyperopia using an erodible disc excimer laser delivery system (Summit) coupled to an axicon lens.


METHODS
We treated 25 eyes of 21 patients for a mean correction of +3.38 +/- 0.97 D (range, +1.00 to +4.00 D). The hyperopic correction was made using an erodible disc inserted on the laser optical pathway; an axicon lens was then used to create a blend transition zone. Eyes were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. For a smaller series of 11 eyes, we also present 24-month results.


RESULTS
Mean refractive error 1 month after treatment (25 eyes) was -2.35 +/- 1.55 D (range, +1.00 to -6.50 D). Eight eyes (32%) had a spectacle-corrected visual acuity loss greater than 1 line. Twelve months after treatment, mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.47 +/- 0.80 D (range, +1.25 to -2.25 D). Nineteen eyes showed an improvement (range, 3 to 8 lines) in uncorrected distance visual acuity and 23 showed improvement in uncorrected vision at reading distance (1 to 7 lines).


CONCLUSIONS
This technique proved effective in reducing hyperopia, but predictability must be demonstrated in a larger treatment group. Safety was confirmed by the absence of delayed reepithelialization and the absence of spectacle-corrected visual acuity loss greater than 1 line at 1 year after surgery.
Carones
F
F
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
Brancato
R
R
Morico
A
A
Vigo
L
L
Venturi
E
E
Gobbi
P G
PG
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000601:surgery*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity