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Spectacle Magnification

Power & Shape Factors

Calculate the magnification or minification effect of spectacle lenses. Important for aniseikonia assessment.

Required Inputs

Optional: Shape Factor Inputs(for complete analysis)

Understanding Spectacle Magnification

Power Factor = 1 / (1 - d x F)

Shape Factor = 1 / (1 - (t/n) x F1)

SM = Power Factor x Shape Factor

d = vertex distance (m), F = lens power (D), t = center thickness (m), n = refractive index, F1 = front curve (D)

Key Concepts:

  • Power factor depends on vertex distance and lens power
  • Shape factor depends on lens thickness and front curve
  • 1.0x = no change in image size
  • >1.0x = magnification (plus lenses)
  • <1.0x = minification (minus lenses)

Aniseikonia Considerations

Aniseikonia is a difference in perceived image size between the two eyes. It commonly occurs with significant Rx differences between eyes (anisometropia).

Tolerable Difference

Up to 2-3% difference is usually tolerated

Problematic

>5% may cause diplopia, headaches, depth perception issues

Solutions for Aniseikonia:

  • Contact lenses (minimal magnification)
  • Iseikonic lens design (modify thickness/curves)
  • Reduce vertex distance for minus lenses
  • Match base curves between eyes when possible