Changes of Higher Order Aberration Analyzed by Continuous Measurement after Phacoemulsification

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the changes of higher order aberration (HOA) measured serially by KR-1W(R) wavefront at every second for 10 seconds between, before, and after phacoemulsification and to evaluate the relationships between HOA and the ocular surface indicators (Schirmer test, tear break-up time, superficial punctate keratitis). METHODS: Corneal HOA was measured in 47 eyes of 30 patients pre- and postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks by KR-1W(R) using the continuous measurement mode. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their Schirmer test (above 10 mm or under 10 mm), tear break-up time (above 5 seconds or less than 5 seconds), and superficial punctate keratitis (any keratitis, none) for analysis of relationships between HOA and ocular surface indicators, and we also analyzed the correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Short-term follow up after phacoemulsification revealed that corneal HOA rapidly increased at 2 weeks and recovered to the preoperative level 8 weeks after surgery. Corneal HOA values showed increasing tendency depending on time at preop and 8 weeks after phacoemulsification, and the differences were statistically significant (preop p < 0.001, 8 weeks p = 0.027). There were no significant differences of HOA between the 2 groups divided according to their ocular surface indicators, and there were no significant correlations between HOA and ocular surface indicators at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: The HOA of the cornea was restored to its preoperative values at 8 weeks after surgery. Preoperative ocular surface indicators are not significantly influenced on postoperative corneal HOA. The surgical factors are more significant in postoperative corneal HOA than preoperative ocular surface indicators.