Corneal Wavefront Changes After Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy With Aberration‑Free Profile Using the Schwind Amaris 1050: One‑Year Outcomes in a Caucasian Cohort

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate changes in corneal higher‑order aberrations (HOAs) one year after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) using the Schwind Amaris 1050 excimer laser with the aberration‑free profile in a Caucasian population. Methods In this prospective case series, 108 eyes of 54 patients underwent TransPRK with the Schwind Amaris 1050 device. Pre‑ and postoperative corneal aberrometry was performed using the Sirius system. Data on age, gender, refractive error, and RMS values of spherical aberration, coma, trefoil, and total HOAs were collected and analyzed. Results The mean preoperative RMS values were: coma 0.27 ± 0.12 µm, spherical aberration 0.24 ± 0.10 µm, total HOA 0.42 ± 0.10 µm, and trefoil 0.19 ± 0.10 µm. At 12 months postoperatively, mean RMS values increased to: coma 0.32 ± 0.13 µm, spherical aberration 0.37 ± 0.23 µm, total HOA 0.59 ± 0.21 µm, and trefoil 0.21 ± 0.10 µm. Statistically significant increases were observed in spherical aberration, coma, and total HOA (P < 0.001), while trefoil showed no significant change (P = 0.135). Conclusions Although the manufacturer describes the profile as “aberration‑free,” this term refers to a wavefront‑optimized ablation designed to minimize the induction of new aberrations rather than eliminate all HOAs to zero. Our findings show that measurable increases in certain HOAs occurred after one year, highlighting the need for longer follow‑up and studies across different populations.