Regression of hyperopia is common after conductive keratoplasty, study says

Conductive keratoplasty (CK) can correct mild to moderate amounts of farsightedness, but the effect often is not permanent and much of the hyperopia can return over time.

So say researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine (Palo Alto, Calif.) who recently evaluated the long-term effectiveness and stability of conductive keratoplasty for the correction of low to moderate hyperopia.

Conductive keratoplasty and hyperopia: Study design and methods

The researchers evaluated the refractive outcomes of 16 eyes of nine farsighted subjects who had their vision corrected with CK between 1999 and 2000.

Prior to surgery, the mean spectacle refraction of these patients was +1.45 diopters (D) of hyperopia.

The mean follow-up period for eyes in the study was 73 months (6 years, 1 month).

Conductive keratoplasty and hyperopia: Results

Results of the study included:

• At 23 months after the CK eye surgery, the mean refractive error was +0.295 D (20 percent of the mean refractive error present prior to surgery).
• At 48 months after surgery, the mean refractive error was +1.00 D (69 percent of the mean pre-operative refractive error).
• At the final follow-up visit (a mean of 73 months after surgery), the mean refractive error was +1.394 D (96 percent of the mean refractive error present prior to surgery).

No eye lost more than one line of best corrected visual acuity as a result of the conductive keratoplasty procedure.

Conductive keratoplasty and hyperopia: Conclusions

The researchers concluded that while conductive keratoplasty is safe and effective for the correction of low to moderate hyperopia, a significant regression of farsightedness takes place over time after surgery.

Prospective refractive surgery patients should be counseled that the effects of CK for the correction of farsightedness are not permanent, they said.

SOURCE:  Regression of effect over long-term follow-up of conductive keratoplasty to correct mild to moderate hyperopia. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. September 2009.

Tags: hyperopia, regression

This entry was posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 10:05 am and is filed under Conductive Keratoplasty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.