Femtosecond lenticule extraction (ReLEx) for correction of hyperopia - first results.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study focused on the results of a novel method for refractive correction, femtosecond lenticule extraction (ReLEx®) in hyperopia, and reports the first 47 eyes.

METHODS: In 47 hyperopic eyes (26 patients), both a flap and a lenticule of intrastromal corneal tissue were simultaneously cut utilizing the Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (CZM) 200 kHz VisuMax femtosecond laser system. Thereafter, the lenticule was manually removed and the flap repositioned. Forty two out of 47 hyperopic eyes of the treatment group completed the final 9-month follow-up. The patients mean age was 42.3 (±9.0) years. Their mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was +2.8 (±1.3) D. UCVA and BSCVA after 9 months, objective and manifest refraction, as well as slit-lamp examination and side-effects were evaluated.

RESULTS: Nine months postoperatively, 64 % of eyes treated were within ±1.0 D, and 38 % of eyes within ±0.5 D of intended correction. One of 47 eyes (2.1 %) lost more than 2 Snellen lines; none of the eyes had a UCVA less than 0.5. However, stability was less impressive when compared to ReLEx for the correction of myopia.

CONCLUSIONS: First data suggest that ReLEx is a feasible and effective procedure for treatment of hyperopia. Further research is needed to improve predictability and effectiveness of the procedure for the correction of hyperopia.