Optics of Contact lenses

Dr.C.R.Thirumalachar
 Introduction
Major refraction of eye occurs at
AIR/CORNEA INTERFACE.
Spectacle lenses- most common method
of correcting ref. errors
Disadv of spectacles- too many, though
advantages are considerable
Development of contact lenses quest for
better looks and better vision
 Idea of contact lenses- Leonardo Da Vinci
Herschel & Fick evolved its practical use
Blown, Ground, moulded lenses
Lathe cutting, injection moulding & spin
moulding
Evolved better materials , polymer
chemistry Hard, soft, semisoft & gas
permeable .
 Optics
Contact lens placed in contact with cornea
with a thin fluid film in between
It eliminates cornea as ref. surface
Afocal contact lens:
ant & post curvatures of CL same as cornea
No optical power
Surface irregularities of cornea are taken care
of
 Fluid lens
Curvature of posterior surface of CL derives
the power of CL
Glass lens
Post surface of CL same curvature as cornea
CL power derived by curvature of ant surface
of CL
 Combined lens
Curvature of both surfaces contribute
Both glass lens & fluid lens give dioptric
power.
 Physical factors of CL

1. Overall diameter of Hard lenses- 8mm,

about 1.5-2mm less than corneal
diameter
GP & soft lenses allow larger diameters
Larger lenses are more stable
Larger lenses vaulting effect
2. Optical zone- central zone of 5-6mm
Average of maximum & minimum pupil size
3. Curvatures
Ant. Curvatures:
C.A.C (Cental ant.Curvature)- ant surface of
optical zone
P.A.C. (Peripheral ant curvature): slope on
the periphery of ant surface
I.A.C. (Intermediate anterior curvature) for
high power plus & minus lenses in between
CAC & PAC
 Posterior curvatures:
CPC (central post curve ) Base curve to fit
the front surface of cornea
I.P.C.(Intermediate)- flatter than CPC
P.P.C.(Peripheral)- flatter than IPC

These are meant to serve as tear fluid reservoir.

These form ski for contact lens movement.
CL can have bicurve, tricurve or even multi
curve contour design.
4. Blend
Smooth area of transition of radius of curvature
from one curve to other
5. Edge-Polished & blended union of ant & post
surfaces
Too sharp- may dig into corneal epithelium
Too thick- may irritate the lids
Edge lift or Z factor- comfort & stability
 Power of CL determined by central ant & post surfaces
at O.Z. determined by the ammetropic correction
required

Tint- to reduce the glare for cosmesis

Ref. error determined by retinoscopy

Curvature determined by keratometry

Fit can be assessed by fluorescein pattern- flat , steep,

ideal
 Special situations
Keratoconus, Aphakia, Pseudophakia, Post
keratoplasty
Thank you