Background: Holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty has generated considerable interest as a technique for correcting hyperopia. In this study, the effect of holmium:YAG laser on inducing astigmatism according to application patterns was evaluated.
Methods: An experimental study based on the results of astigmatic holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty using the Summit OmniMed laser system (Summit Technology Inc, Waltham, Mass) in 36 rabbit eyes is presented. We divided the rabbits into four groups: arcuate, reverse arcuate, linear, and control group according to application patterns. All rabbits were followed for 3 months and cycloplegic refractive measurements were carried out.
Results: The average surgically induced astigmatism was 1.86 diopters (D) for the arcuate group, 2.93 D for the reverse arcuate group, and 1.31 D for the linear group. No significant complications related to the operation were noted.
Conclusion: The reverse arcuate pattern of holmium:YAG laser thermokeratoplasty is most effective in inducing astigmatism in rabbits.