The lenses were transparent with a green tint to allow for maximum light penetration by the green fixation light on the laser. The principle behind designing these lenses stemmed from a desire to improve patient fixation and surgeon visibility of the ongoing procedure. Prior to the use of these masks, aluminum masks of the same base diameters, respectively, were used. Now, the surgeon could center these lenses and maintain direct observation during laser ablation. The green tint of the lenses maximized the unimpeded passage of the green fixation light into the patient's eye, helping the patient to visualize and fixate on this light in maintaining consistent centration.
Hyperopic patients have a difficult time visualizing the fixation light due to their farsightedness.
All of the above features helped to improve patient fixation and to decrease anxiety, enabling a well-centered hyperopic corneal sculpting with consistent results. Hyperopia generally is due to a shorter axial length or reduced corneal dioptric strength. Hyperopia may run in families. A primary finding is a reduction of vision. Near or distance vision can be affected depending on age and refractive error.