Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism using the Meditec MEL 70 spot scanner.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Ditzen
Klaus
K
Eye Surgery Center Weinheim, Germany. Kditzen@aol.com
Fiedler
Joachim
J
Pieger
Stefan
S
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000601:surgery*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity