[Application of wavefront analysis in clinical and scientific settings. From irregular astigmatism to aberrations of a higher order--Part I: Basic principles].

In recent years, wavefront analysis has emerged from a pure laboratory application to an ophthalmological diagnostic method. This development was promoted mainly by the widespread use of wavefont-guided LASIK. However, aberrometry is still not a common diagnostic technique and the results of measurements are difficult to understand and to interpret for many ophthalmologists. The first part of this 2-part series summarizes the basics of wavefront errors, aberrometry and wavefront analysis to give a comprehensive overview for the interested ophthalmologist and clinical scientist. The second part will review such findings that are relevant for the ophthalmological community and highlight current scientific applications.