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Transposition of Lenses
It is commonly understood that transposition of lenses is merely
change of form, but not of value.
For example, a lens +1.00 sph. = -.50 cyl. axis 180° may be
transposed to its equivalent, which is +.50 sph. = +.50 cyl. axis 90°.
The accepted formula in this special instance is as follows:
Algebraically add the two quantities for the new sphere, retain the
power of the original cylinder, but change its sign and reverse its axis
90 degrees. Applying this rule, a lens +.75 sph. = -.25 cyl. axis 180°,
is equivalent to +.50 sph. = +.25 cyl. axis 90°.
Similarly, a lens +1.00 sph. = -1.00 cyl. axis 180° is equivalent to
+1.00 cyl. axis 90°.
One of the difficulties in transposing is in reversing the axis. In
such cases, it is well to memorize the following simple rule:
To reverse the axis of any cylindrical lens containing three
numerals—add the first two together and carry the last. For example,
from 105 to 180 degrees, etc.:
105° Add—one and “0” equals 1 Then carry the 5 = 15°
120° Add—one and two equals 3 Then carry the 0 = 30°
130° Add—three and one equals 4 Then carry the 0 = 40°
150° Add—five and one equals 6 Then carry the 0 = 60°
165° Add—six and one equals 7 Then carry the 5 = 75°
180° Add—eight and one equals 9 Then carry the 0 = 90°