Original Article

Higher Order Aberrations and Low Contrast Vision Function in Myopic Eyes (−3.00 to −6.00 D) Under Mesopic Conditions

Yan Wang, MD; Kanxing Zhao, MD, PhD; Xiaoyan Yang, MD; Jicang He, PhD; Wei Wang, PhD

  • Journal of Refractive Surgery
  • February 2011 - Volume 27 · Issue 2: 127-134
  • DOI: 10.3928/1081597X-20100430-01
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Abstract

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between higher order aberrations and low contrast visual acuity in myopic eyes under mesopic conditions.

Methods:

This prospective, observational case series included 52 patients (29 women, 23 men) aged 18 to 35 years. Ocular higher order aberration was measured under mesopic conditions using the Hartmann-Shack wavefront analyzer, and high (100%) and low contrast (5%, 10%, and 25%) visual acuity was measured using a multi-function visual acuity tester under the same conditions.

Results:

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that spherical aberrations were significantly associated with low contrast visual acuity at a low contrast level. The correlation coefficients of spherical-like aberration (S4) were 0.393, 0.315, and 0.419 at 5%, 10%, and 25%, respectively (P=.004, .023, and .002, respectively). The correlation coefficient of spherical aberration (C40) was 0.373 at the 5% contrast visual acuity level (P=.006). However, coma and other higher order aberrations did not correlate statistically (P>.05).

Conclusions:

Relationships exist between S4 and C40 and low contrast visual acuity. Effects on low contrast visual acuity increase with the value of spherical aberration. This suggests that less spherical aberration may provide optimal visual function under night conditions.

AUTHORS

From Tianjin Eye Hospital & Eye Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China (Y. Wang, Zhao, Yang, W. Wang); and New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts (He).

This study was supported in part by National Key Natural and Science Program grant 60438030 and Tianjin Natural and Science Program grant 07JCYBJC09500.

The authors have no financial interest in the materials presented herein.

Correspondence: Yan Wang, MD, Tianjin Eye Hospital & Eye Institute, Tianjin Medical University, No 4 Gansu Rd, Heping District, Tianjin 300020, China. Tel: 86 22 27305083; Fax: 86 22 27313336; E-mail: wangyan7143@vip.sina.com

Received: February 17, 2009
Accepted: April 07, 2010
Posted Online: May 03, 2010

doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20100430-01

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