Does the chromatic aberration of the eye vary with age?

Abstract

The longitudinal chromatic aberration of the eye has been reported to decline with age. Using three different methods, we have measured the aberration in a group of young subjects (27-33 years old) and a group of older subjects (48-72 years old). In two of the methods we used a Badal optometer, either with or without an achromatizing lens incorporated, to examine the effect of wavelength on refractive error. In the third method we used a vernier-alignment apparatus to assess chromatic dispersion directly. None of the results of the experiments performed revealed any difference in aberration between the groups. Furthermore, a linear regression of aberration against age showed no relationship between these variables. We conclude that, for human adults, the magnitude of chromatic aberration is independent of age.