Wavefront Analysis of Higher Order Aberrations in Dry Eye Patients

PURPOSE: To compare ocular wavefront aberrations of normal and dry eyes and to describe the characteristics of higher order aberration in dry eyes. METHODS: Wavefront analysis of higher order ocular aberrations (total S3+4+5, spherical-like S4, coma-like S3+5) was performed with a Hartmann-Shack aberrometer in 20 dry eyes and 20 normal control eyes. RESULTS: Total, spherical-like, and coma-like aberrations were significantly greater in dry eyes than in normal controls (P < .01) both for a 4-mm (total S3+4: factor of 2.58; spherical S4: factor of 2.50; coma S3: factor of 2.70) and 6-mm-diameter pupil (S3+4+5: factor of 2.29, S4: x2.53, and S3+5: factor of 2.40). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes of dry eye patients showed greater optical aberrations compared with normal control eyes. Increase in higher order aberrations in dry eyes resulted from increased tear film irregularity.