Hyperopia correction using an erodible mask excimer laser delivery system coupled to an axicon: preliminary results.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This paper presents the results of the first human trial on the correction of hyperopia using an erodible mask excimer laser delivery system coupled to an axicon.

METHODS:

We treated 17 eyes of 17 patients (age range 34-62 years) for the correction of +3.21 +/- 1.04 D (range +1.00 to +4.00 D). The hyperopic correction was made using an erodible mask inserted on the laser optical pathway, to produce a circular ablation measuring 6.5 mm in diameter. An axicon was then used to create a blend transition zone from 6.5 mm up to 9.4 mm in diameter. Eyes were evaluated at one, three and six months after surgery.

RESULTS:

Reepithelization was always observed by the fifth postoperative day, despite the large area of deepithelization (diameter 9.5 mm). Mean refractive error one month after treatment was -2.44 +/- 1.59 D (range 0.00 to -6.50 D). Five eyes (29.4%) had a best corrected visual acuity loss more than two to three lines; all eyes showed mild annular haze not involving the central part of the cornea. Six months after treatment, mean refractive error was -0.88 +/- 0.99 D (range +0.50 to -3.00 D). Compared to preoperative status, 13 eyes (76.5%) showed an improvement in uncorrected distance visual acuity (1-8 lines), and 14 eyes (82.4%) showed an improvement in uncorrected vision at reading distance (3-7 lines). Two eyes (11.7%) showed a best corrected visual acuity loss of two of three lines.

CONCLUSIONS:

These preliminary results indicate this approach is effective in reducing hyperopia, while its predictability has still to be proved in a larger treatment group with longer follow-up. A cautious approach to this technique is still advisable, especially for higher hyperopic corrections, in view of the large best corrected visual acuity loss seen in two eyes at six months.

• Authors: R Brancato, F Carones, A Morico, E Venturi, L Vigo, A Spinelli, P G Gobbi
• Journal: European journal of ophthalmology (Eur J Ophthalmol) 1997 Jul-Sep Vol. 7 Issue 3 Pg. 203-10 ISSN: 1120-6721 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9352271 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Cornea (physiopathology, surgery)
• Corneal Topography
• Epithelium, Corneal (physiology, surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hyperopia (physiopathology, surgery)
• Lasers, Excimer
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photorefractive Keratectomy (instrumentation, methods)
• Postoperative Care (methods)
• Refraction, Ocular
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity (physiology)