Corneal higher order aberrations by Sirius topography and their relation to different refractive errors.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Refractive errors significantly impact visual acuity.
• Corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) contribute to visual dysfunction.
• Understanding HOA patterns in different refractive states is crucial for visual correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the root mean square (RMS) of anterior corneal HOAs between ametropic (myopia, hypermetropia, myopic astigmatism) and emmetropic eyes.
• To identify specific HOA components that differ significantly across refractive groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study at Tishreen University Hospital, Syria.
• Eyes categorized into four groups: mild-to-moderate myopia, hypermetropia, myopic astigmatism, and emmetropia (control).
• Anterior corneal HOAs (total, trefoil, coma, spherical aberration) measured using a Scheimpflug-Placido tomographer (Sirius) over a 6 mm pupil.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in RMS values for total HOAs, trefoil, and coma were observed across all groups.
• HOAs were highest in the myopic astigmatism group and lowest in the emmetropic control group.
• Spherical aberration was minimal in the astigmatism group, differing significantly from controls (P = 0.049).

Conclusions:

• Mean RMS values for total HOAs, trefoil, and coma are elevated in astigmatism and reduced in emmetropia.
• Spherical aberration presents uniquely in astigmatism, being minimal.
• Targeted management of HOAs, especially in astigmatism, may improve visual quality and aid in detecting conditions like keratoconus.