Intracorneal hydrogel lenses and corneal aberrations

Purpose: To investigate the optical performance of the cornea based on corneal aberrometry following intracorneal hydrogel lens implantation. Methods: A retrospective, nonconsecutive, observational study of the anterior corneal surface aberration profile of four hyperopic eyes previously implanted with an intracorneal hydrogel lens were studied by videokeratographic elevation maps before and 6 months after surgery. Results: Intracorneal hydrogel lenses reduced the optical performance in all four eyes by increasing the spherical aberrations by a mean factor of 1.87 and 1.95, coma aberrations by a mean factor of 2.98 and 3.01, and total higher order aberrations by a mean factor of 2.6 and 2.17 at 3.0-mm and 6.5-mm pupils, respectively (P < .005). Conclusion: Intracorneal hydrogel lenses decreased the optical performance of the cornea by significantly increasing spherical, coma, and total higher order aberrations.