PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of epithelium-on photorefractive intrastromal crosslinking (PiXL), a noninvasive procedure to reduce refractive error in patients with low hyperopia. SETTING: Gemini Eye Clinic, Zlin, Czech Republic. DESIGN: Prospective single-center study. METHODS: Twenty-two low hyperopic eyes were enrolled and underwent PiXL treatment according to a standardized treatment protocol. Visual acuity, subjective distance refraction, keratometry, topography, pachymetry, subjective discomfort, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were recorded during 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: In 22 eyes, the median manifest refraction decreased significantly (P < .0001) from +0.75 diopters (D) (interquartile range [IQR], +0.63 to +1.06 D), median and IQR) diopters (D) preoperatively to +0.25 D (IQR, 0.0 to +0.50 D) at 12-month follow-up and remained stable. Seventy-seven percent of eyes achieved refraction within ± 0.50 D of emmetropia by 1 month postoperatively and was stable through 12-month follow-up. ECD was stable and did not show significant changes. There was low incidence of postoperative pain and dry eye. CONCLUSIONS: PiXL is a promising alternative to conventional laser refractive surgeries for low hyperopia. Further studies are warranted to optimize treatment parameters for a wider range of refractive errors and to evaluate the potential to improve precision.

From the Gemini Eye Clinic Zlin Prague Czech Republic

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