Abstract
The effects of aberrations on image quality and the objectively assessed depth of focus (DoF) were studied. Aberrometry data from 80 young subjects with a range of refractive errors was used for computing the visual Strehl ratio based on the optical transfer function (VSOTF), and then, through-focus simulations were performed in order to calculate the objective DoF (using two different relative thresholds of 50% and 80%; and two different pupil diameters) and the image quality (the peak VSOTF). Both lower order astigmatism and higher order aberration (HOA) terms up to the fifth radial order were considered. The results revealed that, of the HOAs, the comatic terms (third and fifth order) explained most of the variations of the DoF and the image quality in this population of subjects. Furthermore, computer simulations demonstrated that the removal of these terms also had a significant impact on both DoF and the peak VSOTF. Knowledge about the relationship between aberrations, DoF, image quality, and their interactions is essential in optical designs aiming to produce large values of DoF while maintaining an acceptable level of image quality. Comatic aberration terms appear to contribute strongly towards the configuration of both of these visually important parameters.
DOI
10.1167/17.2.2
Publication Date
2017-03-14
Publication Title
Journal of Vision
Volume
17
Issue
2
Publisher
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
ISSN
1534-7362
Embargo Period
2024-11-19
First Page
2
Last Page
2
Recommended Citation
Águila-Carrasco, A., Read, S., Montés-Micó, R., & Iskander, D. (2017) 'The effect of aberrations on objectively assessed image quality and depth of focus', Journal of Vision, 17(2), pp. 2-2. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO): Available at: https://doi.org/10.1167/17.2.2
