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

PURPOSE: To compare the root mean square (RMS) of anterior corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in ametropic and emmetropic eyes. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Tishreen University Hospital, Latakia, Syria. Study eyes were divided into four groups based on refractive error: mild-to-moderate myopia, hypermetropia, myopic astigmatism, and emmetropic eyes as controls. The following anterior corneal HOAs were evaluated using the Scheimpflug-Placido Sirius (CSO, Italy) tomographer over 6 mm pupil: Root mean square (RMS) total corneal HOAs, RMS trefoil, RMS coma and RMS spherical aberrations. RESULTS: RMS values of total HOAs, trefoil and coma showed statistically significant differences in all four groups (P < 0.05, all). HOAs were noted to be lowest in the control group (0.18 ± 0.09, 011 ± 0.08 and 0.09 ± 0.08 μm, respectively) and highest in the myopic astigmatism group (0.31 ± 0.16, 0.15 ± 0.12, 0.17 ± 0.14 μm, respectively). RMS spherical aberration was lowest in the astigmatism group (0.00 ± 0.16 μm) with a statistically significant difference from that in the control group (0.05 ± 0.07 μm, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The mean RMS values of total HOAs, trefoil and coma were highest in the astigmatism group and lowest in the control group. However, spherical aberration was minimal in the astigmatism group. A better understanding and targeted treatment of higher-order aberrations in ametropic human eyes, and in particular eyes with astigmatism, may enhance visual quality and performance in the treatment of refractive errors. Recognising atypical HOAs may also assist in the early detection of pathological conditions such as keratoconus.