Changes of higher-order wavefront aberrations as a function of the degree of myopia in young adults

Abstract

Objective To investigate the distribution of high-order aberrations (HOAs, 3rd to 6th orders) in myopic eyes of young adults, and study the changes as a function of the degree of myopia. Methods Prospective studies. Using the iTrace Visual Function Analyzer, root mean square (RMS) of total HOAs, 3rd, 4th, 5th-, 6th- order aberrations, coma, and SA were computed from the central 6.0 mm zone of 104 eyes of 104 subjects (mean age 19.9±1.34years; mean manifest spherical equivalent -4.10±2.44D) in the Eye Center of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from August 2007 to September 2007. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the association between HOAs and refractive power. Results The mean refractive error was sphere -3.72±2.36 D and cylinder -0.77±0.62 D. The mean of the total high order RMS (3rd to 6th) was (0.433±0.176)μm.The values of Zemike coefficients progressively decreased from the 3rd-order to the 6th-order(ex-cept Z40). Significant relationships were found between myopia and total ocular high order RMS, as well as coma (P＜0.01), while the SAs and (Z40) were stable. Conclusions The ocular high order aberrations vary greatly among young adults. Total ocular high order aberration and coma increase with the degree of myopia, which decline the quality of retinal image. Key words: Myopia ; Wavefront aberration ; Young adult ;