Huge farsightedness/nearsightedness lens

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating large corrective lenses for farsightedness and nearsightedness, specifically addressing concerns about distortion and aberrations. Participants explore the technical challenges and personal experiences related to vision correction through lenses of significant dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the dimensions intended for the lens and whether a single lens could serve both eyes effectively, highlighting potential challenges with distortion and chromatic aberration.
  • Another participant suggests that while minimizing distortions is possible, the practicality and cost of creating a massive lens may be significant concerns.
  • A participant mentions using binoculars and microscopes without glasses, implying that adjustments can compensate for vision issues, but the context of a large lens is different.
  • There is a proposal for using a Fresnel lens, which is flat and designed with fine grooves, as a potential solution for large lenses.
  • Concerns are raised about the need for a fixed head position when using such a lens, which could limit its effectiveness compared to traditional varifocal glasses.
  • Several participants share personal experiences with astigmatism and the challenges they face when using optical devices without corrective lenses, indicating a range of individual needs and preferences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of views on the feasibility and practicality of large corrective lenses, with no consensus reached on the best approach or solution. There are differing opinions on the effectiveness of existing solutions like varifocal glasses and the potential of new designs.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to personal prescriptions, the complexity of lens design, and the subjective nature of visual experiences, particularly for those with astigmatism.

karl131
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Hello guys,

I have a question for optics experts, is there any possibility to produce a farsightedness/nearsightedness lens in big dimmensions, without distorting the obsjects or anything else you watch through that lens.

Thank you!
 
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How big are the dimensions you have in mind? And you want one lens to work for both eyes at once? That might be pretty challenging. How much distortion and chromatic aberration is acceptable? How much correction (in diopters) do you want to provide?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrective_lens
 
karl131 said:
I have a question for optics experts, is there any possibility to produce a farsightedness/nearsightedness lens in big dimmensions, without distorting the obsjects or anything else you watch through that lens.
If we take 'without' distortions to mean 'minimized' distortions and other aberrations, then the answer is probably yes. But the better question is how expensive, large, and complicated will it be? If your lens is absolutely massive, it will be too large to be of any use at all.
 
karl131 said:
Hello guys,

I have a question for optics experts, is there any possibility to produce a farsightedness/nearsightedness lens in big dimmensions, without distorting the obsjects or anything else you watch through that lens.

Thank you!
I'm not entirely sure what you mean, but I often use binoculars and microscopes without my glasses on by adjusting the eyepiece(s) to compensate- so, yes?
 
Andy Resnick said:
I'm not entirely sure what you mean, but I often use binoculars and microscopes without my glasses on by adjusting the eyepiece(s) to compensate- so, yes?
I mean making a lens in order to cover a window of 120x60 cm. Thank you!
 
karl131 said:
I mean making a lens in order to cover a window of 120x60 cm. Thank you!
berkeman said:
How much distortion and chromatic aberration is acceptable? How much correction (in diopters) do you want to provide?
 
I think the only approach would be the Fresnel lens, which is flat, and uses fine grooves shaped as prisms.
 
karl131 said:
I mean making a lens in order to cover a window of 120x60 cm. Thank you!
You would need to keep your head in a fixed position. That could reduce the effectiveness compared with regular varifocal glasses.
Varifocals produce crazy geometrical distortions which take some getting used to. But, after only a few hours, the brain copes well.
The device would need to be specific to the personal prescription so where would be the advantage over normal varifocals?
 
Andy Resnick said:
I often use binoculars and microscopes without my glasses on by adjusting the eyepiece(s) to compensate-
You're lucky. I have astigmatism in both eyes and when I try looking through binos without specs, the result is very unsatisfactory. It's the same problem with a telescope eyepiece - but only on one axis.

I guess contact lenses would solve the problem but I've tried other people's (disposable) lenses and it's total agony. I must say, conventional glasses have suited me well for nearly seventy years and optical astro doesn't suit my inherent cataracts these days.
 
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sophiecentaur said:
You're lucky. I have astigmatism in both eyes and when I try looking through binos without specs, the result is very unsatisfactory. It's the same problem with a telescope eyepiece - but only on one axis.

I guess contact lenses would solve the problem but I've tried other people's (disposable) lenses and it's total agony. I must say, conventional glasses have suited me well for nearly seventy years and optical astro doesn't suit my inherent cataracts these days.
Interesting point- I also have astigmatism, maybe it's not as bad as yours so I don't notice it. I can't wear contact lenses anymore, either... :(
 
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  • #11
Andy Resnick said:
Interesting point- I also have astigmatism, maybe it's not as bad as yours so I don't notice it. I can't wear contact lenses anymore, either... :(
My astigmatism is not really too bad but the effect on stars and small writing is just so annoying that it takes the pleasure away if I observe without my specs.
 

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