Currently the VISX STAR excimer laser, the one used at our hospital, can correct to 6D of hyperopia. Typically the patient enters the laser room, a speculum is put in the eye to prevent the patient from blinking. The patient is then asked to fixate on a red light and the doctor helps the patient by steadying his or her head. The top layer of the cornea is gently peeled off and the patient fixates at the red light while the ablation is being performed. The ablation is performed on the periphery of the eye and steepens the cornea thus lengthening the eye.
Topical anesthetic is put in the eye so the procedure is totally pain free.
At the end of the procedure the eye is washed out with cold water, an antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory drop and a bandage contact lens is put on the eye. The other eye is treated as soon as the patient feels he or she can function with the treated eye. This procedure is performed with patients who have 5D of hyperopia or more. The patient's natural lens is then replaced with a plastic lens to correct the refractive error. Astigmatism can be corrected during the same setting.