Prospective Randomized Study of Corneal Aberrations 1 Year After Radial Keratotomy or Photorefractive Keratectomy

Risk Factors for Corneal Monochromatic Aberrations and Implications for Multifocal and Extended Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE

To discuss factors influencing corneal aberrations that might influence the optical quality after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

PubMed and Scopus were the main resources used to search the medical literature. An extensive search was performed to identify relevant articles concerning factors influencing the level of corneal aberrations as of August 27, 2023. The following keywords were used in various combinations: corneal, aberrations, defocus, astigmatism, spherical aberration, coma, trefoil, quadrafoil, intraocular lens, and IOL.

RESULTS

Conclusive evidence is lacking regarding the correlation between age and changes in corneal aberrations. Patients with astigmatism have greater corneal higher-order aberrations than those with minimal astigmatism, particularly concerning trefoil and coma. Increased levels of corneal higher-order aberrations are noted following contact lens wear, in patients with dry eye disease, and with pterygium. Increased higher-order aberrations have been reported following corneal refractive surgery and for 3 months following trabeculectomy; regarding intraocular lens surgery, the results remain controversial.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors influence the level of corneal higher-order aberrations. Multifocal and extended depth-of-focus IOLs can share similarities in their optical properties, and the main difference arises in their design and performance with respect to spherical aberration. Preoperative evaluation is critical for proper IOL choice, particularly in corneas with risk of high levels of aberrations. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(6):e420-e434.].

Limitations of and Solutions to Using 6 mm Corneal Spherical Aberration and Q Value after Laser Refractive Surgery

This study aimed to evaluate the spherical aberration (SA) in different corneal areas before and after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (fLASIK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK), with the goal of identifying the limitations of and potential improvements in using SA within a 6 mm area. The study included 62 patients who underwent fLASIK and tPRK. Complete eye examinations including keratometry, corneal epithelial thickness, central corneal thickness, and topography were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Anterior, posterior, and total corneal aberrations were measured preoperatively and three months postoperatively, with pupil diameters ranging from 2 to 8 mm. In the fLASIK group, compared to the preoperative SA, the anterior and total SA increased postoperatively in the 6 and 7 mm areas. In the tPRK group, meanwhile, the anterior and total SA of the 5 mm or larger areas increased postoperatively. An area of 6 mm or larger showed an increase in correlation with the changes in Q value and refractive correction. As the corneal SA and asphericity in the 6 mm zone cannot specifically demonstrate the status of areas smaller than 6 mm or changes in the optical zone after laser refractive surgery, comparison with normal values in various areas of the cornea is necessary.

Vision Quality Questionnaire Assessment in Patients After Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy for Irregular Astigmatism Secondary to Radial Keratotomy

Aim

To evaluate the vision-related quality of life with the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life (NEI-RQL) questionnaire in patients with astigmatism secondary to radial keratotomy surgery who underwent topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy.

Methods

Prospective non-randomized clinical trial. This study included 15 patients (30 eyes) aged > 21 years, mean age 55.1 (SD, 3.5) years, 53.3% female, with astigmatism ≤ - 6.00 D resulting from radial keratotomy, which could have been associated with hyperopia ≤ + 6.00 D. Photorefractive keratectomy with topography-guided custom ablation treatment was used in all cases. The patients answered the NEI-RQL questionnaire preoperatively and at 4 and 48 months after topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy. The following data were collected: age, sex and education level, pre-operative refraction data, visual acuity with or without correction, pachymetry, and keratometry.

Results

There was a significant difference between pre-and postoperative NEI-RQL scores for the domains clarity of vision, near vision, far vision, diurnal fluctuation, activity limitations, glare, symptoms, correction dependence, appearance, and satisfaction with correction (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy improved vision-related quality of life in patients with a history of irregular astigmatism secondary to radial keratotomy.

Quantitative Assessment of the Pupil: An Underrecognized Yet Important Factor Related to Orbital Blowout Fracture Repair

PURPOSE

To investigate dynamic pupil changes after orbital blowout fracture repair. To compare postoperative changes in under photopic and mesopic pupil size and center position after orbital blowout fracture repair surgery.

METHODS

The study evaluated 19 eyes. Pupils were imaged for pupil size and center position before and 3 months after orbital blowout fracture repair surgery. Pupil size changes were measured, and the correlation between preoperative and postoperative pupil centroid shift was evaluated.

RESULTS

After repair, operative eyes exhibited a growth of 9.3% ± 8.6% in pupil size, and contralateral eyes showed a growth of 8.6% ± 8.2% (P = 0.011, P = 0.007). Similar findings were noted in mesopic conditions. Under mesopic conditions, the pupil of operative eyes in medial orbital wall fracture deviated 0.030 ± 0.019 mm towards the nasal side along the X-axis (P = 0.031). The postoperative orbital floor fracture group demonstrated statistical significance at a spatial frequency of 5 (P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital blowout fracture repair surgery affects pupil size and center position.

Assessing the corneal power change after refractive surgery using Scheimpflug imaging

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the Pentacam HR could accurately predict the surgically induced refractive change in patients operated with small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia or femto-second laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia or hyperopic astigmatism.

METHODS

Data from three groups consisting of (1) 410 myopic eyes of 410 patients operated with SMILE, (2) 111 myopic eyes of 111 patients operated with FS-LASIK, and (3) 40 eyes of 40 patients with hyperopic astigmatism operated with FS-LASIK were retrospectively analysed. The change in manifest refraction due to surgery was compared with the objectively measured change in corneal power by the Pentacam HR in three different ways: Sagittal Power (calculated as for placido topographers), True Net Power (calculated by a Gaussian optics formula), and Total Corneal Refractive Power (calculated by ray tracing). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate which parameters influenced the Pentacam HR's prediction of the change in subjective refraction due to surgery.

RESULTS

The Total Corneal Refractive Power Apex, Zone calculation in a diameter of 4.0 mm effectively predicted the surgically induced refractive change for all three patient groups. The spherical equivalent was predicted with an error of 0.08 ± 0.41 D for the SMILE eyes, 0.05 ± 0.61 D for the myopic eyes operated with FS-LASIK, and -0.15 ± 0.49 D for the hyperopic astigmatic eyes treated with FS-LASIK. Regression showed that preoperative refractive error had a significant impact on the prediction error of the Pentacam HR.

CONCLUSIONS

Ray tracing calculations based on Scheimpflug imaging accurately assessed the change in manifest refraction due to corneal laser surgery.

Femtosecond (FS) laser vision correction procedure for moderate to high myopia: a prospective study of ReLEx(®) flex and comparison with a retrospective study of FS-laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To present our initial clinical experience with ReLEx(®) flex (ReLEx) for moderate to high myopia. We compare efficacy, safety and corneal higher-order aberrations after ReLEx with femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

METHODS

Prospective study of ReLEx compared with a retrospective study of FS-LASIK. ReLEx is a new keratorefractive procedure, where a stromal lenticule is cut by a femtosecond laser and manually extracted. Forty patients were treated with ReLEx on both eyes. A comparable group of 41 FS-LASIK patients were retrospectively identified. Visual acuity, spherical equivalent (SE) and corneal tomography were measured before and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Preoperative SE averaged -7.50 ± 1.16 D (ReLEx) and -7.32 ± 1.09 D (FS-LASIK). For all eyes, mean corrected distance visual acuity remained unchanged in both groups. For eyes with emmetropia as target refraction, 41% of ReLEx and 61% of FS-LASIK eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity of logMAR ≤ 0.10 at day 1 after surgery, increasing to, respectively, 88% and 69% at 3 months. Mean SE was -0.06 ± 0.35 D 3 months after ReLEx and -0.53 ± 0.60 D after FS-LASIK. The proportion of eyes within ±1.00 D after 3 months was 100% (ReLEx) and 85% (FS-LASIK). For a 6.0-mm pupil, corneal spherical aberrations increased significantly less in ReLEx than FS-LASIK eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

ReLEx is an all-in-one femtosecond laser refractive procedure, and in this study, results were comparable to FS-LASIK. Refractive predictability and corneal aberrations at 3 months seemed better than or equal to FS-LASIK, whereas visual recovery after ReLEx was slower.

Aspheric profile versus wavefront-guided ablation photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia using the Allegretto Eye Q

PURPOSE

To compare the results of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with Q-factor customized aspheric ablation and wavefront-guided customized ablation for correction of myopia compound with astigmatism.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. In each patient, one eye was randomly assigned for treatment with the Q-factor customized PRK (custom-Q study group) and the other eye treated with wavefront-guided customized PRK. Preoperative and 3-month postoperative manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, aberrometry, and asphericity of the cornea were compared between the two groups. All eyes were treated with the Wavelight Eye-Q 400 Hz excimer laser in a single refractive surgery center by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved to 20/20 or more and 20/25 or more in 34 eyes (60.7%) and 56 eyes (100%), respectively, in the wavefront-guided ablation group and in 36 eyes (64.2%) and 54 eyes (96.4%) in the custom-Q ablation group. All eyes had UCVA of 20/40 or better. A total of 54 eyes (96.4%) in the wavefront-guided ablation group and 56 (100%) in the custom-Q ablation group had spherical equivalent (SE) within -/+0.5 D. One eye in each group (2%) lost >or=2 lines of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). High order root mean square (RMS) in the wavefront-guided group was 0.3630-/+0.13 mum preoperatively and 0.427-/+0.17 at 3 months (p=0.2). In the custom-Q ablation group it was 0.329-/+0.092 preoperatively and 0.4730-/+0.181 at 3 months after PRK (p=0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding safety and refractive efficacy, custom-Q ablation profiles were clinically equivalent to wavefront-guided profiles in corrections of myopia up to -6.00 D and astigmatism up to 2.50 D.

Higher-order aberrations after implantation of iris-fixated rigid or foldable phakic intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

To evaluate higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after implantation of Artiflex phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs).

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

METHODS

This retrospective comparative case series comprised 27 eyes (14 patients) that had Artiflex pIOL implantation and 22 eyes (13 patients) that had Artisan pIOL implantation. Refractive data, pupil size, IOL decentration, and HOA values were recorded and compared. Laboratory analysis was performed. Follow-up was 1 year.

RESULTS

In the Artiflex group, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) changed from -9.95 diopters (D) +/- 1.43 (SD) (range -6.75 to -12.13 D) to -0.30 +/- 0.53 D (range -1.94 to 0.56 D). Postoperatively, trefoil-y increased (increase factor 1.73) and spherical aberration decreased (increase factor 0.55). The mean pIOL decentration was 0.24 +/- 0.12 mm; 96.3% were decentered 0.5 mm or less. There was a significant correlation between pIOL decentration and postoperative spherical aberration and coma-y. In the Artisan group, the mean SE changed from -9.90 +/- 2.74 D (range -4.00 to -14.50 D) to -0.20 +/- 0.42 D (range -0.75 to 0.50 D). Postoperatively, trefoil-y and spherical aberration increased (increase factors 3.32 and 6.84, respectively). Laboratory analysis confirmed the negative and positive spherical aberration profile of the Artiflex pIOL and Artisan pIOL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Artiflex pIOL implantation decreased spherical aberration, while Artisan pIOL implantation increased spherical aberration. Trefoil-y increased in both groups. These changes might be explained by incision size differences in relation to trefoil and differences in optic design in relation to spherical aberration.

Zyoptix wavefront-guided versus standard photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in low and moderate myopia: randomized controlled 6-month study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the refractive and aberrometric outcome of wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) compared to standard PRK in myopic patients.

METHODS

Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were included in the study and were randomly divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 28 eyes with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of -2.25+/-0.76 diopters (D) (range: -1.5 to -3.5 D) treated with wavefront-guided PRK using the Zywave ablation profile and the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217z excimer laser (Zyoptix system) and the control group included 28 eyes with a SE of -2.35+/-1.01 D (range: -1.5 to -3.5 D) treated with standard PRK (PlanoScan ablation) using the same laser. A Zywave aberrometer was used to analyze and calculate the root-mean-square (RMS) of total high order aberrations (HOA) and Zernike coefficients of third and fourth order before and after (over a 6-month follow-up period) surgery in both groups. Preoperative and postoperative SE, un-corrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated in all cases.

RESULTS

There was a high correlation between achieved and intended correction. The differences between the two treatment groups were not statistically significant for UCVA, BCVA, or SE cycloplegic refraction . Postoperatively the RMS value of high order aberrations was raised in both groups. At 6-month control, on average it increased by a factor of 1.17 in the Zyoptix PRK group and 1.54 in the PlanoScan PRK group (p=0.22). In the Zyoptix group there was a decrease of coma aberration, while in the PlanoScan group this third order aberration increased. The difference between postoperative and preoperative values between the two groups was statistically significant for coma aberration (p=0.013). No statistically significant difference was observed for spherical-like aberration between the two groups. In the study group eyes with a low amount of preoperative aberrations (HOA RMS lower than the median value; <0.28 microm) showed an increase of HOA RMS while eyes with RMS higher than 0.28 microm showed a decrease (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Zyoptix wavefront-guided PRK is as safe and efficacious for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism as PlanoScan PRK. Moreover this technique induces a smaller increase of third order coma aberration compared to standard PRK. The use of Zyoptix wavefront-guided PRK is particularly indicated in eyes with higher preoperative RMS values.

Changes in higher-order aberrations after implantation of a foldable iris-claw lens in myopic phakic eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the change in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after implantation of a foldable iris-claw phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) in myopic eyes.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.

METHODS

This prospective nonrandomized comparative self-controlled trial included 41 eyes that had implantation of a foldable iris-claw pIOL between July 2003 and November 2004. All patient data for HOAs (Zernike coefficient) were measured and calculated using the same pupil size preoperatively and postoperatively, and the root-mean-square (RMS) wavefront error was calculated. Examinations were performed preoperatively as well as 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after pIOL implantation.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative sphere was -8.12 diopters (D) +/- 2.01 (SD) (range -12.25 to -3.75 D) and the mean preoperative cylinder, -0.90 +/- 0.62 D (range -2.50 to 0.00 D). The Z3(1) and Z(3)(-1) coefficients decreased after implantation of the foldable iris-claw pIOL, but the decrease was not statistically significant (P = .078 and P = .45, respectively). There was a statistically significant reduction in Z4(0) in the first postoperative week (P = .038), but the decrease was not significant thereafter. There was a statistically significant reduction in total RMS wavefront error from preoperatively to all values postoperatively (P = .008).

CONCLUSION

Over a 12-month follow-up, 3rd-order and 4th-order HOAs did not increase after foldable iris-claw pIOL implantation in myopic eyes.

Photorefractive keratectomy with aspheric profile of ablation versus conventional photorefractive keratectomy for myopia correction

PURPOSE

To analyze ocular wavefront error and corneal asphericity (Q) in patients treated with aspheric profile photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) compared with patients having conventional PRK to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism and to evaluate the effect of postoperative corneal shape on visual performance.

SETTING

Eye Clinic, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.

METHODS

Fifty eyes were treated with aspheric profile PRK using the MEL 80 flying-spot excimer laser, and 24 eyes were treated with standard PRK using the MEL 70 flying-spot excimer laser.

RESULTS

Postoperative wavefront error increased in both groups. Six months after surgery, there was a smaller increase in root mean square (RMS) of total higher-order aberrations and spherical aberration (59% and 106%, respectively) in the aspheric profile PRK group than in the conventional PRK group (94% and 136%, respectively) (P<.01). The aspheric profile PRK group showed more prolate corneal asphericities (mean Q of 0.15 +/- 0.26) than the conventional group (mean Q of 0.45 +/- 0.26) (P<.001), with increasing oblateness for higher attempted corrections. A higher percentage of patients with better low-contrast uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity was observed in the aspheric PRK group than in the conventional PRK group (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspheric profile and conventional PRK were safe and efficient for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Moreover, aspheric profile PRK induced a smaller increment of total wavefront error, was related to a smaller increase in spherical aberration, and better maintained the physiology of the corneal surface than conventional treatment.

Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis using the WaveScan system for correction of low to moderate myopia with astigmatism: 6-month results in 277 eyes

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and effectiveness of wavefront guided LASIK surgery using the Visx WaveScan system for correction of low to moderate myopia with astigmatism.

SETTING

Multicenter study at 6 sites in the United States.

METHODS

In this prospective nonrandomized clinical trial, treatments were performed at 6 sites in the United States using the WaveScan (CustomVue) guided excimer laser. A total of 351 eyes were enrolled, and 277 eyes were analyzed at 6 months.

RESULTS

At 6 months, 94% of eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better and 74% achieved a UCVA of 20/16 or better. Sixty-nine percent of eyes had the same or better postoperative UCVA than their preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). Ninety percent of eyes were within +/-0.5 diopter of intended correction. No eye lost more than 1 line of BSCVA. Total higher-order root-mean square (RMS), coma, and spherical aberration values were stable (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

The data support the safety and effectiveness of the WaveScan-guided customized laser ablation using the Visx Star S4 system for correction of low to moderate myopia with astigmatism.

Fluid-Ventilated, Gas-Permeable Scleral Contact Lens Is an Effective Option for Managing Severe Ocular Surface Disease and Many Corneal Disorders That Would Otherwise Require Penetrating Keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To examine the diagnostic indications and relative merits of a fluid-ventilated, gas-permeable scleral lens for improving vision impaired by irregular astigmatism and for providing a therapeutic environment for managing severe ocular surface disease.

METHODS

After a review of scleral lens development and a description of current design and manufacturing innovations, indications for fitting the Boston Scleral Lens were evaluated based on a retrospective review of all available records of patients fitted with this device, and outcome experiences were described.

RESULTS

A total of 875 eyes of 538 patients were fitted with the fluid-ventilated, gas-permeable scleral lens during the past 18 years. Most patients were fitted in the past 4 years. Indications included managing severe ocular surface disease and rehabilitating vision impaired by irregular astigmatism associated with corneal disorders. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses either were not tolerated or were contraindicated in all eyes. Outcomes included improved vision and reduced ocular pain and photophobia associated with severe ocular surface disease. Scleral lenses promoted healing of persistent epithelial defect (PED) refractory to other treatments and prevented PED recurrence in stem cell-deficient and neurotrophic corneas. Microbial keratitis occurred in 4 of 22 eyes treated with extended scleral lens wear for PED after penetrating keratoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

The fluid-ventilated, gas-permeable scleral lens is an important front-line tool for managing many corneal disorders refractory to other treatment measures or otherwise requiring keratoplasty.

Off-axis refraction and aberrations following conventional laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To investigate off-axis refraction and aberrations following conventional laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and hypermetropia.

SETTING

School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

METHODS

Using an autorefractor, off-axis refractions were analyzed along the horizontal visual field between 35 degrees nasally and 35 degrees temporally in 1 eye each of 15 emmetropic subjects (-0.50 to +0.50 diopters [D]), 6 myopic subjects (-2.25 to -6.50 D), 6 hyperopic subjects (+1.50 to +3.00 D), 6 myopic LASIK patients (presurgical refraction -2.75 to -9.00 D), and 6 hyperopic LASIK patients (presurgical refraction +0.75 to +2.00 D). Wavefront sensing measured off-axis higher-order aberrations in 2 myopic LASIK patients.

RESULTS

In myopic LASIK, the mean spherical components of refraction M became highly myopic away from the center of the visual field; in emmetropic and untreated myopic eyes, there were relatively small myopic shifts and hyperopic shifts, respectively. Off-axis 90-degree to 180-degree astigmatisms J180 in myopic LASIK subjects were greater than in untreated subjects. In hyperopic LASIK, there were mainly hyperopic shifts in M, opposite the direction in emmetropic and untreated hyperopic subjects. Off-axis J180 was less than in emmetropic and untreated hyperopic subjects. Some hyperopic LASIK patients had greater off-axis 45-degree to 135-degree astigmatisms J45 than patients in the other groups. In 2 myopic LASIK patients, Zernike root-mean-square 4th-order aberrations were higher than in the near-emmetropia group because of higher levels of positive spherical aberration.

CONCLUSIONS

Off-axis aberrations can be dramatically affected by conventional myopic and hyperopic LASIK. In myopic LASIK, the increased off-axis refractive errors may have adverse effects on peripheral visual tasks that are dependent on off-axis refractive errors. The relatively low off-axis refractive errors in hyperopic LASIK patients may improve peripheral visual tasks.

Corneal power, thickness, and stiffness: Results of a prospective randomized controlled trial of PRK and LASIK for myopia

PURPOSE

To compare the short-, medium-, and long-term changes in corneal optical power and corneal aberrations, central corneal thickness, and corneal "stiffness" assessed by pneumotonometry readings in patients having laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital, Arhus, Denmark.

METHODS

One eye of each of 45 patients with myopia ranging from -6.00 to -8.00 diopters (D) (spherical equivalent spectacle refraction [SER]) was randomized to LASIK (n=25; mean SER -7.12 D +/- 0.57 [SD]) or PRK (n=20; mean SER -6.91 +/- 0.57 D). Data were collected prospectively before and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months after surgery. Measurements included corneal topography (TMS-1, Tomey), corneal thickness (ultrasound pachymetry), and apparent intraocular pressure (IOP) (pneumotonometry). Retreatments were not performed during the first year, and retreated eyes were excluded from the 3-year follow-up. Changes in corneal power and aberrations, thickness, and apparent IOP were calculated in a pair-wise manner for 3 time periods: short term (preoperative to 1 month after surgery), medium term (1 to 12 months after surgery), and long term (1 to 3 years after surgery).

RESULTS

In the short term, corneal power decreased equally in LASIK and PRK eyes. Spherical aberrations and coma-like aberrations increased equally, while corneal thickness decreased significantly less in LASIK eyes than in PRK eyes. The apparent IOP decreased more in LASIK eyes than in PRK eyes. In the medium term, corneal power increased significantly in both groups. Spherical aberrations decreased significantly in PRK eyes but not in LASIK eyes. From 1 to 12 months, corneal thickness increased more in PRK eyes than in LASIK eyes. During this period, the apparent IOP increased significantly in LASIK eyes. In the long term, corneal power and corneal aberrations did not change significantly in either group. Corneal thickness increased slightly but significantly in both groups. The apparent IOP increased significantly more in PRK eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences between LASIK and PRK related to time-dependent events affecting corneal shape and structural integrity were present. Peripheral changes in flap hydration in LASIK eyes and epithelial and/or stromal thickening in PRK eyes appeared to be the most important factors in optical power changes in the first year after treatment. The changes in apparent IOP suggest that some interlamellar healing occurred during the first year after LASIK. After LASIK and PRK, corneal bending stiffness seemed permanently decreased, although some restiffening may occur in PRK eyes in the long term.

Monochromatic ocular wavefront aberrations in the awake-behaving cat

Measurement of wavefront aberrations in human eyes has become a reliable, quantitative way of assessing the optical impact of experimental and corrective ocular manipulations. Wavefront measures have also been performed in several other species, but never in cats, an animal model of choice for many ocular studies. Our goal in this study was to measure wavefront aberrations reliably in live, awake-behaving cats in a manner that is directly comparable to that used in human subjects. Six adult cats (felis cattus) were trained to fixate small targets on a computer screen. A compact Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor was aligned with each animal's pupil center and line of sight during fixation. Wavefront images were then collected from which the cats' ocular aberrations were measured up to tenth order Zernike polynomials over a 6 mm pupil. Results show that cat and human ocular wave aberrations were very similar. Second order Zernike modes accounted for more than 90% of the total wave aberration. In agreement with our observation that cat ocular optics were comparable with those of humans, the half height width of both the cat and human higher order point spread function was about 0.95 degrees. These results form a solid basis for future wavefront sensing studies aiming to quantify the effects of ocular manipulations in experimental animals.

Prospective Randomized Comparison of Wavefront-guided and Conventional Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia With the Meditec MEL 70 Laser

PURPOSE

To study refractive results and aberrometric changes in myopic patients treated with wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in comparison with standard PRK.

METHODS

Sixty eyes of 60 patients with myopic astigmatism were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 included 30 eyes (mean spherical equivalent refraction -4.39 +/- 1.31 D; range -2.50 to -6.50 D) treated with wavefront-guided PRK using the WASCA workstation and the Asclepion Meditec flying spot MEL 70 excimer laser. Group 2 had 30 eyes (mean spherical equivalent refraction -4.33 +/- 1.22 D; range -2.50 to -6.50 D) that underwent conventional PRK using the same laser, and served as the control group. Wavefront analysis of high order aberrations was performed before and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, wavefront error increased in both groups (5.0-mm wavefront aperture diameter). Six months after surgery, the eyes that received the WASCA ablation had a smaller increase in root-mean-square (RMS; 70% of increment) compared to the conventional PRK group (139% of increment) (P<.001). In the standard PRK group, all aberrations notably increased; in the wavefront-guided PRK group there was a smaller increase of trefoil and spherical aberrations (P<.001) and a decrease of coma aberrations (P<.001). The smaller increase of wavefront error in the wavefront-guided PRK group compared to the standard PRK group was more evident when preoperative RMS values were higher than 0.4 microm (P<.01). The visual parameters (spherical equivalent refraction, uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity) did not show significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Wavefront-guided PRK induced a smaller increase of postoperative wavefront-error compared to conventional PRK, particularly in patients with higher preoperative higher order aberrations.

Changes of Higher Order Aberration With Various Pupil Sizes in the Myopic Eye

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of pupil diameter on higher order aberration in myopic eyes.

METHODS

One hundred and two eyes of 51 normal subjects were evaluated with the Nidek OPD-Scan.

RESULTS

All types of aberration increased significantly with increasing pupil size (P<.001). However, optical aberrations had a less pronounced increase in C3(-1) and C3(+1) , more pronounced increase in C4(0) with pupil area increased (P<.05), 2nd coma (C5(-1) and C6(+1)) and high order astigmatism (C4(-2), C4(+2) C6(-2), C6(+2) with larger pupil diameter. Compared with the aberrations of each high order aberration at 4 mm, the average increase root mean square values were 1.54, 1.59, 1.71, and 1.87 on S3, S4, S5, and S6 respectively, with a 5-mm pupil, whereas increased root mean square values were 1.46, 1.88, 1.51, and 1.60 for a 6-mm-diameter pupil.

CONCLUSION

For an equal increase of pupil size, not all Zernike polynomial coefficients induced equivalent increase of values. Coma-like aberrations increased less with pupil dilation. Spherical-like aberration showed only a small increase from 4 mm to 5 mm pupil size, but a larger increase from 5 mm to 6 mm pupil size. Other higher order aberrations (S5 and S6) increased slightly with pupil dilation. Coma-like aberration was larger than spherical aberration, and larger than other higher order aberrations for all pupil sizes.