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Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs)


Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) are complex imperfections in the eye’s optical system that cannot be corrected by conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. Unlike lower-order aberrations, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, HOAs affect the way light waves pass through the eye and can cause visual distortions. These distortions may include halos, starbursts, or ghosting, and are most noticeable in low-light conditions or after refractive surgery. HOAs are often measured using wavefront technology, which provides a detailed map of how light is being focused within the eye.

  • Causes: HOAs are caused by irregularities in the eye’s optical components, such as the cornea and lens, that distort the way light is focused. These aberrations can be present at birth, or they can develop after refractive surgeries like LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery. Corneal scars, keratoconus, and other eye conditions may also contribute to HOAs.
  • Symptoms: People with higher-order aberrations may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, halos, starbursts around lights, double vision (ghosting), and difficulty seeing at night or in low-light environments. These visual distortions can significantly impact activities like driving at night or reading in dim light.
  • Treatment: Correcting HOAs can be challenging, but advanced wavefront-guided LASIK or PRK surgeries can help reduce these aberrations by precisely reshaping the cornea. Specialized contact lenses, such as rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses, may also help improve vision in individuals with HOAs. Additionally, further research and technological advances in optics are continuously being developed to address these complex visual imperfections.

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