Diopter Scale

The Diopter Scale is a measurement system used to quantify the refractive power of lenses. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology to determine the strength of corrective lenses needed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

The Diopter Scale is based on the reciprocal of the focal length of a lens in meters. A lens with a focal length of 1 meter has a power of 1 diopter. A lens with a shorter focal length, such as 0.5 meters, has a power of 2 diopters, while a lens with a longer focal length, such as 2 meters, has a power of 0.5 diopters.

In practical terms, a positive diopter value indicates that the lens is converging light and is used to correct for farsightedness, while a negative diopter value indicates that the lens is diverging light and is used to correct for nearsightedness. The higher the diopter value, the stronger the lens.

The Diopter Scale is typically marked on prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses to indicate the corrective power of the lenses. It is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the appropriate diopter value for your specific vision needs.