To evaluate laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablation zone size and its relationship to refractive and visual outcomes in the treatment of hyperopia.We evaluated retrospectively 40 eyes of 20 patients who had LASIK: 20 eyes had a refractive ablation zone ranging from 5.5 to 9.0 mm (Group 1); Group 2 consisted of 20 eyes with a refractive ablation zone from 5.5 to 8.25 mm. We used the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser and the Hansatome microkeratome. Mean spherical equivalent refraction was +2.72 D in Group 1 and +2.75 D in Group 2. Objective refraction and visual acuity were evaluated over 6 months in both groups.Six months after LASIK, mean spherical equivalent refraction in Group 1 was +1.00 +/- 0.84 D and in Group 2 it was +0.75 +/- 0.42 D. One patient in Group 1 lost 1 line of spectacle-corrected visual acuity; none in Group 2 lost lines. Six patients gained 1 to 3 lines from their preoperative spectacle-corrected visual acuity.LASIK provides good results for mild and moderate hyperopia. LASIK with an ablation zone from 5.5 to 8.25 mm showed better predictability and more stable results. However, corneal diameter and the thickness and width of the flap appear to be important factors in the feasibility of LASIK in hyperopic eyes.