Hyperopic LASIK Enhanced by Pharmacological Treatment of Presbyopia

Abstract

Purpose: Regression of the refractive outcome is a major concern of LASIK procedures mainly in presbyopic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the pharmacological treatment of presbyopia performed with Benozzi's method, in combination with hyperopic LASIK surgery in presbyopic population. Methods: A nonrandomized case series was developed, including presbyopic patients who underwent bilateral “Hyperopic LASIK surgery” and were pharmacologically treated with Benozzi's Method from January 2011 to August 2018, with at least 2 years of follow-up, at two private ophthalmological clinics of Argentina. Main outcomes were spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA). Measurements were evaluated at baseline and postoperative at 1 month (without Benozzi's treatment), 2 months (starting with Benozzi's treatment), and 2 years. The SE stability across the time was statistically compared. Results: A total of 84 eyes of 42 patients, with a mean age at the time of the surgery of 51.07 ± 4.5 (42–59), were found following 2 years of follow-up. Patients have improved and maintained UDVA, achieving Jaeger 1 in the second postoperative month, which was maintained up to the last year of follow-up. Refractive stability across the time is observed comparing first month after surgery with the last year of follow-up, without statistical significant difference (p: 0.11). Conclusion: Hyperopic presbyopic patients that underwent LASIK surgery and 1 month after surgery started with the pharmacological treatment of presbyopia (Benozzi's method) results in excellent UNVA and UDVA that is stable over time without refractive regression.