Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to treat hyperopia. SETTING: Instituto de la Vision, Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: This nonrandomized study comprised 679 eyes of 321 patients having LASIK. Patients were divided into three groups based on preoperative spherical equivalent: Group A (low hyperopia, 2.00 diopters [D] or less); Group B (moderate hyperopia, between 2.00 and 3.00 D); Group C (high hyperopia, more than 3.00 D). The following were measured postoperatively: uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA); best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA); refraction (evolution and distribution); lines of visual acuity gained and lost. Follow-up was 1 month in 79.4% of cases, 3 months in 75.5%, 6 months in 68.5% and 1 year in 38.3%. RESULTS: Six months after LASIK. 100% of cases in Group A, 95.3% in Group B, and 71.4% in Group C were within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia; UCVA was 20/40 or better in 94.1, 100, and 87.8%, respectively. The percentage losing or gaining 0 +/- 1 line of BSCVA was 100, 97.6, and 100, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis was predictable and safe in the treatment of low and moderate hyperopia.