Elimination and minimization of the spherical aberration of intraocular lenses in high myopia.

By applying Seidel aberration theory we have studied the spherical aberration of intraocular lenses in place (SIL), and the total spherical aberration of pseudophakic eyes (S(IT)). The optimum lens shapes for zero SIL and S(IT) or for minimum SIL and S(IT) of 12 schematic, highly myopic eyes were investigated. When the power required for emmetropization is positive, the total Seidel spherical aberration of the whole eye cannot be zero but can only be minimized. If the power of the intraocular lens is negative, the total Seidel spherical aberration of the whole eye can be made zero, and one of the optimum lens shapes would be meniscus with the convex surface towards the retina. In addition to improving the quality of the image, the lens has advantages from the physiological point of view, since it helps to maintain the structure of the eye.