Diopters

Revision as of 19:22, 18 May 2020 by Dlskidmore (talk | contribs) (Expanded definition)
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Diopters is a measure of the power of a lens (or mirror). It is equal to 1/focal length in meters. In EM we refer to the cm measurement to calculate diopters needed to correct refraction of the eye.

A lens with a negative diopter sign compensates for nearsightedness while a lens with a positive diopter sign compensates for farsightedness

Approximate categorizations of myopia by lens power:

0.00 - -0.75 - Probably don't need glasses

-1.00 - -2.00 - Mild myopia, no differentials needed

-2.00 - -5.00 - Moderate myopia, glasses always needed

-5.00 - -10.00 - High myopia

-10.00+ - Very high myopia. Field of view significantly reduced.