Changes of higher-order aberrations with the use of various mydriatics

• Published in: Ophthalmic & physiological optics 2009-11, Vol.29 (6), p.602-605
• Main Authors: Kim, Jae-hyung, Lim, Taehyung, Kim, Myoung Joon, Tchah, Hungwon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cornea - drug effects; Cornea - physiopathology; Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; mydriatics; Mydriatics - administration & dosage; ocular aberration; Ophthalmic Solutions; Ophthalmology; Pupil - drug effects; Pupil - physiology; Refraction, Ocular - drug effects; Refraction, Ocular - physiology; Refractive Errors - drug therapy; Refractive Errors - physiopathology; spherical aberration; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Visual Acuity - drug effects; Visual Acuity - physiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0275-5408; 1475-1313
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2009.00675.x

Advances in corneal refractive surgery have allowed ophthalmologists to correct ocular higher‐order aberrations. To obtain more information on the ocular aberrations generated from the optical axis, mydriasis is required. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in higher‐order aberrations with the use of various mydriatics. Higher‐order aberrations were measured in 21 eyes of 21 subjects (age range 24–37 years; 13 males, 8 females). Repeated measurements were conducted before and after the installation of three different mydriatics: 10% phenylephrine, 1% tropicamide, or 1% cyclopentolate. At a pupil size of 6 mm, the average root mean square value of higher‐order aberrations (HO‐RMS) was 0.430 μm in undilated eyes, and 0.413, 0.410, and 0.477 μm after installation of phenylephrine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the HO‐RMS between the four conditions. There was a significant difference in the spherical aberration between the undilated or phenylephrine‐treated eyes, compared to those treated with tropicamide or cyclopentolate. Cycloplegic mydriatics seemed to shift spherical aberration in a positive direction. These results suggest that mydriatics may affect higher‐order aberrations, especially spherical aberration, and this should be considered when performing wavefront analysis and when correcting wavefront errors.