Problems in the Measurement of Wavefront Aberration for Eyes Implanted With Diffractive Bifocal and Multifocal Intraocular Lenses

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the origin of the wavefront aberration as measured in eyes fitted with diffractive intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS: Wavefront aberration was measured by Shack-Hartmann aberrometry in 2 eyes fitted with diffractive bifocal contact lenses and 10 eyes implanted with Acrysof ReSTOR multifocal IOLs. RESULTS: Problems were encountered as a result of the multiple wavefronts generated by the diffractive lenses and their dependence on wavelength. These led to ambiguities in the positions of the Shack-Hartmann spot images and in the form of the derived wavefronts. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrometry may not provide reliable information on the wavefront aberration associated with either the distance or near power of diffractive IOLs.