Anterior corneal optical aberrations induced by photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia

K. M. Oliver*, D. P.S. O'Brart, C. G. Stephenson, R. P. Hemenger, R. A. Applegate, A. Tomlinson, J. Marshall

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for hyperopia requires both a steepening of the central cornea and a flattening of the mid-periphery to achieve its effect and is likely to affect the optical aberrations of the eye.
METHODS: Nine patients underwent PRK to correct between +2.00 and +4.00 D of hyperopia (first eye treated for each patient) using the Summit Technology Apex Plus excimer laser. Anterior corneal aberrations for pupil diameters of 3, 5.5 and 7 mm were estimated from corneal topography data (TMS-1), assuming a uni-index, single surface cornea. Refractive error was assessed using retinoscopy and standard subjective tests.
RESULTS: Apart from the intended change in refraction (mean spherical equivalent manifest refraction, +4.60 ± 1.60 D before surgery and +0.70 ± 1.60 D at 1 year after surgery), the most significant change was in spherical aberration. Anterior corneal spherical aberration was positive (+1.60 ± 0.60 D for a 5.5-mm pupil) before surgery and became negative after surgery (-1.80 ± 1.20 D at 1 year). The change in spherical aberration was related to the achieved change in refractive error.
CONCLUSIONS: The large change (approximately 3.00 D) in spherical aberration (from positive to negative aberration) has implications for the optical performance of the whole eye, where the effects of lenticular aberration must also be considered.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)406-413
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Refractive Surgery
Volume17
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Ophthalmology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Anterior corneal optical aberrations induced by photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this