Changes of higher-order aberrations with the use of various mydriatics

Advances in corneal refractive surgery have allowed ophthalmologists to correct ocular higher-order aberrations. To obtain more information on the ocular aberrations generated from the optical axis, mydriasis is required. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in higher-order aberrations with the use of various mydriatics. Higher-order aberrations were measured in 21 eyes of 21 subjects (age range 24-37 years; 13 males, 8 females). Repeated measurements were conducted before and after the installation of three different mydriatics: 10% phenylephrine, 1% tropicamide, or 1% cyclopentolate. At a pupil size of 6 mm, the average root mean square value of higher-order aberrations (HO-RMS) was 0.430 mu m in undilated eyes, and 0.413, 0.410, and 0.477 mu m after installation of phenylephrine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the HO-RMS between the four conditions. There was a significant difference in the spherical aberration between the undilated or phenylephrine-treated eyes, compared to those treated with tropicamide or cyclopentolate. Cycloplegic mydriatics seemed to shift spherical aberration in a positive direction. These results suggest that mydriatics may affect higher-order aberrations, especially spherical aberration, and this should be considered when performing wavefront analysis and when correcting wavefront errors.