Evaluation of paraxial forward scattering from intraocular lens with increased surface light scattering using goniophotometry and Hartmann-Shack wavefront aberrometry.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of increases in light scattering on intraocular lens (IOL) surfaces on paraxial forward scattering using goniophotometry and Hartmann-Shack wavefront aberrometry.

Methods: Surface light scattering was reproduced experimentally by acceleratedly aging 4 intraocular lenses by 0, 3, 5, and 10 years each. Light scattering from both IOL surfaces was measured using Scheimpflug photography. The paraxial forward scattering from the aged IOLs was measured using a goniophotometer with a halogen light source (wavelength: 350-850 nm) and telecentric optics, and changes in the maximum intensity and full width at 10% of maximum intensity (FW10%) were evaluated. The influences on the retina image were examined using a Hartmann-Shack aberrometer (wavelength: 840 nm). The contrast and difference from the point spread function of the central centroids were evaluated.

Results: The mean surface light scattering from both IOL surfaces ranged from 30.0 to 118.3 computer compatible tape (CCT) and increased with each aging year. Evaluations using the goniophotometer and the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer showed no significant change in the paraxial forward scattering with the aging year (P > .45, Kruskal-Wallis test), and no association with the surface light scattering intensity was found (P > .75, Spearman rank correlation).

Conclusion: This experimental study using aged IOLs demonstrated that surface light scattering does not influence paraxial forward scattering.