To compare differences in higher order aberrations (HOAs) between 2 standard spherical monofocal intraocular lenses(IOLs), the hydrophobic acrylic Alcon SA60AT(Bausch & Lomb)and hydrophilic acrylic Rayner Superflex(620H)(Rayner)

Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients who have undergone phacoemulsification cataract surgery, were studied. In group 1(n=39)the hydrophobic Alcon SA60AT IOL and in group 2(n=29) the hydrophilic Rayner Superflex(620H)IOL were implanted. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)at far was 20/20. Aberrometry was performed by OPD ScanIII(Nidek)under the natural pupil and in a mesopic condition at the first and third months after surgery.

There were no differences between the 2 groups in the mean of total coma, trefoil, spherical and total HOAs at 2 follow-ups.(p>0.5, Independent t-test)According to the repeated measure ANOVA test results; total coma, trefoil, spherical and total HOAs significantly increased over time,( p=0.033, p=0.017, p=0.005, p=0.004 respectively)but these changes were not significant between 2 groups.

It seems that IOL optically behaves different in vivo vs in vitro conditions and environmental factors can affect on increasing or decreasing HOAs by an IOL. So we should consider them as well as the effect of IOL material and design. Also the implantation of Alcon SA60AT and Rayner Superflex IOL will not induce higher HOAs in pseudophakics than phakics.