Wavefront Aberration Changes after the Instillation of Artificial Tear in Dry Eyes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify the effects of artificial tear instillation on tear film changes using wavefront aberrations. METHODS: Artifical tear was instilled every 2 hours for 14 days into 20 normal eyes and 20 dry eyes. The changes in tear film using wavefront aberrations were analyzed 1 minute after the final instillation of artifical tear. RESULTS: In dry eyes, total wavefront aberration and total high order wavefront aberration decreased significantly (p<0.05). In normal eyes, total wavefront aberration and high order wavefront aberration did not decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilization of the tear film after instillation of artificial tear may be responsible for the decrease of wavefront abberation in dry-eye patients.