Power vectors versus power matrices, and the mathematical nature of dioptric power.
Representation of astigmatic dioptric power as a power vector is satisfactory for basic operations such as summing and averaging powers. However, power vectors do not fully characterize the nature of dioptric power and are, therefore, unsatisfactory for representing power in general. The purpose of this note is to make the case that it is the power matrix instead that is proper for the representation of power in general. The mathematical nature of dioptric power is examined.
Optometric Science Research Group, Department of Optometry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa. wharris@uj.ac.za
William F
WF
Harris
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D009907:Optometry / Q000379:methods*