Measuring Distortion in Optical Lenses Due to Deviation from the Optical Center in Different Lens Powers and Materials

Overview

The goal of this experiment was to identify the distortion in spherical and cylindrical measurements found in glasses based on deviation from the optical center. This question was asked because multiple patients everyday come complaining about not being able to adjust to new prescriptions when wearing glasses excessively low or high. The multiple hypotheses included that cylinder will be induced, higher lens power causes higher deviation, and that deviation from the optical center gradually increases distortion. This experiment tested the multiple hypotheses by locating the optical center of lenses in multiple powers and materials and then testing the distortion of the prescription as it moved away from the optical center in 5 millimeter increments. A manual lensometer was used to locate the optical center while an automatic lensometer was used to measure distortion. The data that was recorded was put into a spreadsheet where the mathematical averages of the data were found in certain sections, including averages for every increment away from the optical center and the averages per lens power. These averages were then put into charts so that they could be interpreted. The end result was that all hypotheses were correct, however, they missed the detail that polycarbonate lenses have more distortion compared to CR-39 (plastic) lenses.The end result also found that patients mainly complain about not being able to adjust because the induced cylinder due to deviation from the optical center goes above standard optical tolerance, which then alters the patient’s vision and causes uncomfortable symptoms.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Physics & Astronomy (Senior Division) · Entry S-17-24

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