Whole eye aberrometry measures how light waves are distorted as they travel through the entire optical system of the eye. It quantifies both lower‑order errors (such as myopia and astigmatism) and higher‑order aberrations.
Test Method
Devices project a pattern or wavefront into the eye and analyse the reflected light emerging from the retina.
- Deviations from a perfect wavefront are decomposed into Zernike or similar coefficients.
- Measurements are usually taken under mesopic or photopic conditions, sometimes at different pupil sizes.
- The test is brief, non‑invasive, and requires steady fixation.
- Results can be displayed as maps or numerical summaries of aberrations.
Clinical Value
Aberrometry supports customised refractive planning and assessment of visual quality.
- Wavefront‑guided laser treatments aim to reduce higher‑order aberrations for sharper vision.
- Aberration profiles help explain symptoms such as glare, halos, or reduced contrast despite good acuity.
- Data are useful when evaluating multifocal or premium intraocular lenses.
- Repeat scans allow comparison before and after procedures like LASIK or lens surgery.
