Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed for 92 eyes of 62 consecutive patients to evaluate uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and manifest refraction before and 3 and 6 months after LASIK (Moria LSK-ONE microkeratome, Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser). Eyes were divided into groups: Group 1 (low hyperopia) for spherical correction of +1.00 to +3.00 D (22 eyes), Group 2 (low hyperopic astigmatism) for toric correction with spherical equivalent refraction of +1.00 to +3.00 D (18 eyes), Group 3 (moderate hyperopia) for spherical correction of +3.25 to +6.00 D (10 eyes), and Group 4 (moderate hyperopic astigmatism) for toric correction with spherical equivalent refraction between +3.25 and +6.00 D (18 eyes). RESULTS: At 3 and 6 months after LASIK, 68 eyes (73.9%) were available for follow-up examination. Percentage of eyes with a spherical equivalent refraction within ±0.50 D of emmetropia for Group 1 was 54.5% (12 eyes); Group 2, 50% (9 eyes); Group 3, 40% (4 eyes), and Group 4, 38.8% (7 eyes). UCVA ≥20/20 in Group 1 was 14% and in Groups 2, 3, and 4, 0%. One eye (5.5%) lost two lines of BSCVA. CONCLUSION: LASIK with the Moria LSK-ONE microkeratome and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser reduced low and moderate hyperopia and was within ±0.50 D of target outcome in approximately 50% of eyes. Undercorrection was evident in all groups. The procedure was safe.