Clear lens extraction with intraocular lens implantation for hyperopia.

PURPOSE: Current surgical options for the correction of moderate to severe hyperopia include hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), phakic intraocular lens implantation and clear lens extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. We investigate the safety and efficacy of clear lens extraction with IOL implantation to correct hyperopia.

METHODS: Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was performed on 18 eyes of 10 patients. In 16 eyes, the Hoffer-Q formula was used for IOL power calculation and a single IOL was inserted; in the remaining 2 nanophthalmic eyes, the Holladay-II formula was used and two piggy-back IOLs were inserted.

RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent for distance was +6.17 D (range, +4.25 to +9.62 D). Patients were followed postoperatively for a mean of 10.5 months (range, 4 to 27 mo). Uncorrected visual acuity in all eyes was 20/50 or better with a median uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 (range, 20/30 to 20/50). Two patients lost 2 lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity; both of these patients achieved spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/30.

CONCLUSIONS: Clear lens extraction with IOL implantation is a safe and effective procedure for the correction of moderate to severe hyperopia in the presbyopic age range.