Wavefront analysis measures how light is distorted as it passes through the eye, quantifying both simple refractive errors and higher-order aberrations. It provides a detailed optical fingerprint of the visual system.
Clinical importance
Higher-order aberrations such as coma and spherical aberration can cause symptoms like glare, halos and reduced contrast even when standard prescriptions are correct. Wavefront data can be used to plan customised treatments or to understand complex visual complaints.
- Wavefront-guided procedures aim to reduce selected aberrations
- Aberration profiles vary with pupil size and age
- Irregular corneas and previous surgery often show increased higher-order aberrations
- Interpretation always considers the patient’s symptoms and expectations
