Assessment of Refractive Outcomes of Femtosecond-assisted Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) for Hyperopia

Objective: To determine the effect of refractive treatment in terms of safety, efficacy, stability, accuracy, and predictability with Wavefront Optimized Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on hyperopia. Study Design: Descriptive, analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from August 2013 to June 2018. Methodology: Participants were selected after detailed history, careful ocular examination and meticulous relevant assessment on refractive scans. Preoperative measurements were recorded. Refractive strategy was designed, considering individual requirements for each patient. Postoperative readings were taken at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: A total of 54 patients participated with mean age of 28.07 +/- 8.13 years. Out of the 54 patients, 33 (61%) were males and 21 (39%) were females. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and Spherical equivalent (SEQ), which is algebraic sum of sphere and half of cylinder, were recorded pre- and postoperatively. These parameters were changed significantly at 12 months (p <0.001). SEQ reduced from 2.146 +/- 2.027 to 0.079 +/- 0.269 Diopter (D) (p <0.001). UDVA improved from 0.672 +/- 0.270 (20/93) to 0.153 +/- 0.182 (20/28) (p <0.001). A total of 48 (out of 54) patients had uncorrected vision better than 20/40; and 49 patients showed either same or gain of Snellen lines when pre- and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was compared. Two patients showed loss of two or more lines. All the patients had postoperative SEQ within +/- 1.0 D range. Conclusion: LASIK, performed to correct hyperopia, demonstrated satisfactory outcomes in terms of safety, efficacy, stability, accuracy, and predictability. LASIK is an effective treatment option for moderate (<6 D) hyperopia.