Higher-order aberrations are complex, irregular optical defects of the eye that cannot be corrected using standard spectacles or traditional contact lenses. They arise as a result of irregularities in the surface of the cornea or lens and can cause image distortion, difficulty focusing, a halo effect around lights, glare or flashes. They are particularly noticeable when driving at night or in low-light conditions. These aberrations are diagnosed using devices that analyse the eye’s wavefront (aberrometers). Their presence can significantly impair vision, even in people with normal visual acuity as determined by a routine eye test. In the case of significant aberrations, it is possible to partially correct them using customised contact lenses or during refractive surgery, such as LASIK. The assessment of higher-order aberrations plays an important role in planning advanced refractive procedures and in evaluating the causes of subjective visual impairment in patients without a classic refractive error.
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