Algorithm to correct hyperopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of a new ablation algorithm for the correction of hyperopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser was evaluated.


METHODS
Twenty-five eyes with mean preoperative hyperopia of +3.76 +/- 1.70 D and a mean hyperopic cylinder of 2.20 +/- 0.80 D underwent photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using a new algorithm with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser (software version 3.0). The new algorithm differed from previous algorithms in that less tissue was removed for the same amount of diopters, and there was less of a dioptric gradient between the optical zone and the transition zone. Mean preoperative spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.8 +/- 0.09. Minimum follow-up was 6 months.


RESULTS
Mean postoperative spectacle corrected visual acuity (geometric mean) increased significantly to 0.89 +/- 0.1. The mean sphere decreased by 3.08 D and the mean cylinder by 1.60 D.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperopic PRK using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with this new algorithm for hyperopic astigmatism appears to be safe and effective.
Vinciguerra
P
P
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Milan, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
Epstein
D
D
Azzolini
M
M
Radice
P
P
Sborgia
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity