Evaluation of higher order ocular aberrations in patients with keratoconus

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe higher order ocular aberrations in eyes with keratoconus. METHODS: Prospective, observational, case-control study comparing higher order ocular aberrations in patients with keratoconus with control subjects with myopia. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen patients with keratoconus were recruited. Data were analyzed in 35 keratoconus eyes, 38 keratoconus suspect eyes, and 166 right eyes with myopia. Mean total higher order root-mean-square (RMS) values (3rd to 5th order) were 1.73±0.71 μm in eyes with keratoconus, 0.94±0.66 μm in eyes with keratoconus suspect, and 0.49±0.16 μm in control eyes. Keratoconus eyes had greater total higher order RMS, 3rd to 5th order RMS, and RMS for all Zernike terms than those in the control group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Keratoconus and keratoconus suspect eyes had significantly larger higher order aberrations in total higher order RMS and 3rd order RMS than control eyes.