Binocular open-view system to perform estimations of aberrations and scattering in the human eye

Abstract

We present a system that integrates a double-pass (DP) instrument and a Hartmann-Shack (HS) wavefront sensor to provide information not only on aberrations, but also on scattering occurring in the human eye. A binocular open-view design permits evaluations in normal viewing conditions. Furthermore, the system is able to compensate for both spherical and astigmatic refractive errors during measurements by using devices with configurable optical power. The DP and HS techniques provide comparable data after estimating wavefront slopes with respect to intersections of an ideal grid and compensating for residual errors provoked by optical defects of the measuring system. Once comparable data is obtained, it is possible to use this combined manner of assessment to provide information on scattering. Measurements in an artificial eye suggest that the characteristics of the ocular fundus may induce deviations of DP with respect to HS data. These differences were quantified in terms of the modulation transfer function in young healthy eyes measured in infrared light to demonstrate the potential use of the system in visual optics studies.