Noncontact thermokeratoplasty to correct hyperopia induced by laser in situ keratomileusis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of noncontact holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) for treating hyperopia induced by laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

SETTING:

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alicante, Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain, and the University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt.

METHODS:

Noncontact LTK was applied to 13 eyes (11 patients) with significant hyperopia after LASIK using a Ho:YAG laser (model gLase 210, Sunrise Technologies). Mean spherical equivalent before LTK was +4.60 diopters (D) +/- 1.40 (SD) (range +2.50 to +7.25 D). The results were evaluated 18 months after the LTK surgery.

RESULTS:

A significant myopic shift developed in all eyes that gradually receded to emmetropia 6 to 8 weeks after LTK. After 12 months, refraction was relatively stable. At 18 months, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) before LTK (0.19 +/- 0.09) and mean postoperative UCVA (0.61 +/- 0.22) (P < .005). At the end of the study, there was a mean increase of 4.10 +/- 1.12 D in central keratometric power. Total regression did not occur in any eye.

CONCLUSION:

Noncontact Ho:YAG LTK was safe and effective in correcting LASIK-induced hyperopia. The cutting of Bowman's layer and a thinner corneal center may contribute to the stability of LTK in such cases.

• Authors: M M Ismail, J L Alió, J J Pérez-Santonja
• Journal: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery (J Cataract Refract Surg) Vol. 24 Issue 9 Pg. 1191-4 (Sep 1998) ISSN: 0886-3350 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9768391 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Corneal Stroma (surgery)
• Corneal Topography
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperopia (etiology, surgery)
• Laser Coagulation
• Laser Therapy
• Male
• Myopia (surgery)
• Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures (adverse effects)
• Surgical Flaps
• Visual Acuity