Surface photorefractive keratectomy for correction of hyperopia using the Novatec laser - 3 month follow-up

Purpose: To evaluate a new technology for correction of low to moderate hyperopia by surface PRK in sighted eyes. Methods: Surface PRK was performed on 9 eyes that had previous refractive surgery (4 myopic PRKs, 4 failed Ho:YAG thermal keratoplasties, 1 RK) The Novatec LightBlade laser with small spot (0.3 mm) scanning delivery system and active eye tracker was used at a wavelength of 0.21 microns, a fluence of 100 mJ/sq cm, an optic zone of 6 mm and a total ablation diameter of 9 mm. Results: Mean epithelialization time (bandage lenses were used) was 5.6 days (4-8 days). Mean pre-op hyperopia of 3.92 D (1-6.63 D) was reduced to -0.11 D (-2.50 to +0.63 D) at 1 month and to +0.08 D (-2 13 to +1.25 D) at 3 months At 1 and 3 months 1 of 9 eyes had an uncorrected acuity of 20/20 (2 eyes with 20/20 potential pre-op) and 7 of 9 (1 of 9 pre-op) had 20/40 At 3 months 2 eyes gained 2 or more lines of best corrected acuity, I gained 1 line, 2 eyes lost 2 lines, and 4 were unchanged At 3 months 6 of 9 eyes were within 0.5 D of intended correction and 7 of 9 within 1 D Refractive astigmatism was unchanged. One eye had peripheral haze of 0.5 at 3 months and 8 were clear. Topography showed good centration and no islands There were no complications. Conclusions: The Novatec laser accurately corrected low to moderate hyperopia with good visual results and no haze or islands. The tracker provided good centration despite a lengthy procedure.