Long-term follow-up of hyperopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) performed with a new algorithm.

Purpose. To evaluate the long-term results obtained with a new PRK algorithm for the correction of hyperopia. Methods. Sixtyfive eyes of 46 patients with hyperopia ranging from +1.00D to +9.00D (mean +4.85D; SD 2.0D) were treated. A Nidek EC 5000 excimer laser, producing a new aspherical ablation profile with a 5.5 to 9.0-mm treatment zone, was used. Minimum follow-up time was 18 months. Results. At 18 months postoperatively, mean refraction for eyes with hyperopia up to 3.00D was +0.37D+0.24D. For eyes +3.10D to +6.00D and +6.10D to 9.00D, the 18-month means were +1.96D+1.35D and +2.55D±1.27D, respectively. Mean UCVA improved from 0.16 (decimal scale) to 0.36, and mean BCVA from 0.80 to 0.89. No subepithelial haze was seen in the central untreated cornea in any eye. Four eyes (all with hyperopia higher than +3.00D) lost 2 to 3 lines of Snellen BCVA. Conclusions. This new aspheric algorithm appears to provide excellent predictability and refractive stability for hyperopia up to +3.ODD. The smooth transition zone fashioned by the ablation pattern may explain the stability of postoperative refraction.