Higher-Order Aberrations After Cyclopentolate, Tropicamide, and Artificial Tear Drops Application in Normal Eyes

To determine the effect of cyclopentolate, tropicamide, and artificial tear drops on higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in normal eyes with OPD-Scan III (Nidek Inc., Tokyo, Japan).

In this study, 189 eyes of individuals aged 20 to 35 years were selected as samples. Inclusion criteria were a corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, a minimum size of about 5 mm for the pupil in the dark, hyperopia and myopia less than 5 D, and astigmatism less than 2 D. Moreover, participants with pathological eye problems, a history of intraocular surgery, and ocular diseases affecting the accommodation, pupil size, and corneal surface were excluded. Higher-order aberrations of the participants were assessed by the OPD-Scan III before and after cyclopentolate (Colircuss), tropicamide (Mydrax 0.5%), and artificial tears (Tearlose) drop instillation.

After instilling cyclopentolate drops, the mean of the total root mean square (RMS) increased from 4.580 to 6.335 D, total spherical aberration increased from 0.155 to 0.381 D, and total coma increased from 0.195 to 0.369 D; the increases were significant for total RMS and total spherical aberration, but a significant relationship was not seen with total coma. After tropicamide, the mean aberrations of total RMS increased from 4.301 to 4.568 D, total spherical aberration increased from 0.146 to 0.160 D, and total coma increased from 0.213 to 0.230 D; the increase was only significant for total coma. On the other hand, after artificial tears, the average of all aberrations decreased in a nonsignificant manner.

Most changes of mean aberrations were related to cyclopentolate drops. Tropicamide and artificial tears had the second and third rank according to their effect on mean errors. As a result, it seems that ocular accommodation is the most important impact on HOA than pupil size. However, the pupil size is the second factor for HOAs.