Relationship between total aberrations (RMS) and pupil size in ametropic eyes with the LADARWAVE system

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between pupil size and total aberrations as represented by the root mean square value (RMS) in ametropic otherwise normal eyes. Method: 22 eyes (11 patients) had wavefront measurements with both undilated and dilated pupils. Total, and spherical aberrations, and coma were recorded using the RMS. Software integrated within the LadarWave system allowed simulation of all of the above aberrations for increments of 0.5mm of pupil dilation. Results: A linear relationship was found in all eyes between pupil diameter and total aberrations as expressed in RMS, with a high coefficient of determination (R 2 ). The mean R 2 ±SD was 0.9515±0.0334 (range: 0.886-0.9835). The slope was variable. Conclusions: This data shows the existence of a direct relationship between pupil diameter and the total amount of higher order aberrations as expressed by RMS. The variable slope needs to be further investigated as it may correlate with symptoms related to the presence of higher order aberrations both in the normal state and postoperatively.