A comparison of four different lens mappers.

PURPOSE: Recently, a number of lens mappers have become available for measuring the detailed optical properties of progressive addition lenses (PALs). The goal of this study was to compare the results obtained from several different lens mappers for a range of different lenses.

METHODS: The optical power maps of six lenses-two single-vision lenses, a parallel-sided slide, a flat prism, and two progressive lenses-were measured using four different lens mappers: the Dual Lens Mapper, the Nimo TR4005, the Rotlex Class Plus, and the Visionix VM2500. The repeatability of the instruments was also evaluated.

RESULTS: All lens mappers gave very repeatable measurements; however, measurements among the lens mappers varied considerably. Differences appeared to be above the tolerance at the optical center for measurements of single-vision lenses, and these differences increase in the periphery up to 1.00 diopter. Similar differences were observed for the PALs, even increased by prism and base curve effect, with figures greater than 1 diopter in the periphery. The measurements made on the prism and lenses with different base curves suggest that base curve, thickness, and prismatic effect can all contribute to the differences among instruments.

CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of a given lens taken with different lens mappers can vary substantially. Particular caution should be exercised when interpreting power maps for PALs taken with different instruments.