Holmium Laser Thermal Keratoplasty for Hyperopia in Eyes Overcorrected With Laser in situ Keratomileusis for Myopia

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of holmium laser thermal keratoplasty (Ho:LTK) for hyperopia in eyes overcorrected after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. METHODS: We performed a prospective evaluation of Ho:LTK in eyes with secondary hyperopia from +1.00 to +5.50 D after LASIK. Thirty-seven eyes of 23 patients received one concentric 8-spot application at the 6-mm-diameter zone. Mean patient age was 41.3 ± 13.0 years (range 20 to 68 yr). Mean corneal thickness was 455.86 ± 31.20 µm (range 373 to 506 µm). RESULTS: Mean spherical equivalent refraction changed from +2.30 ± 1.08 D to +0.45 ± 1.00 D at 12 months after Ho:LTK. Thirty-one eyes (84%) were within ±1.00 D of emmetropia and 25 eyes (68%) were within ±0.50 D at 1 year. Mean change in refraction was 1.84 ± 0.92 D. No eye lost 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Ho:LTK is a suitable alternative for correcting secondary hyperopia resulting from LASIK for myopia. Parameter adjustments may be necessary for improving the results. [J Refract Surg 2004;20:253-257]