What are lower order and higher order aberrations?
It is now possible to utilize wavefront technology to record detailed information about the visual characteristics of the eye. Unlike more standard measuring devices such as corneal topography, which measure the front surface of the eye (cornea), the wavefront maps the entire optical system as it processes a beam of light. As a group, myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are referred to as lower order aberrations, and are responsible for 90-92% of the distortions in vision people experience The remaining 8-10% of the visual blur falls outside this group of lower order aberrations, and cannot be corrected by glasses. Hence, this group is referred to as higher order aberrations. In just the past 1-2 years, surgeons now have the ability to correct higher order aberrations. Dr. Clement can measureand correct these aberrations using wavefront-guided laser treatment which, when combined with correction for lower order aberrations, has the potential to produce
