Photorefractive Keratectomy Using the Meditec MEL 70 G-scan Laser for Hyperopia and Hyperopic Astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using Gaussian flying spot technology in the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: Two hundred eyes were evaluated with 12-month follow-up. An Asclepion-Meditec MEL 70 G-scan flying spot ArF excimer laser with a Gaussian scanner was used (6.0-mm treatment zone and 9.0-mm transition zone). Eyes were divided into four groups: Group 1 (spherical hyperopia up to +3.50 D and astigmatism less than 1.00 D, n=62); Group 2 (hyperopia up to +3.50 D and astigmatism of 1.00 D or more, n=44); Group 3 (hyperopia greater than +3.50 D and astigmatism less than 1.00 D, n=56); and Group 4 (hyperopia greater than +3.50 D and astigmatism of 1.00 D or more, n=38). RESULTS: In Group 1, 82.2% (51/62 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D of target refraction; 88.7% (55/62 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 1.6% (1/62 eye) lost two or more lines, 3.2% (2/62 eyes) gained two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In Group 2, 68.1% (30/44 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D; 77.2% (34/44 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 9.1% (4/44 eyes) lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In Group 3, 76.8% (43/56 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D; 78.6% (44/56 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 5.4% (3/56 eyes) lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In Group 4, 42% (16/38 eyes) were within +/-0.50 D; 60.5% (23/38 eyes) had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity; 15.8% (6/38 eyes) lost two or more Snellen lines. CONCLUSION: PRK with the flying spot Meditec MEL 70 G-scan was most safe and effective for low hyperopia.