Chromatic Aberration

Basic Optics, Chapter 26

 2

Aberrations
 Aberrations are phenomena that degrade
the quality of the image formed by an optical
system
 3

Aberrations
 Aberrations are phenomena that degrade
the quality of the image formed by an optical
system
 Degradation results when light rays from a
given object-point fail to form a single sharp
image-point
 4

Aberrations
 Aberrations are phenomena that degrade
the quality of the image formed by an optical
system
 Degradation results when light rays from a
given object-point fail to form a single sharp
image-point
 It’s important to recognize that aberrations
are the rule, not the exception
 Aberration-free vision essentially never occurs
 5

Aberrations
 Some aberrations are attributable to
corrective lenses
 6

Aberrations
 Some aberrations are attributable to
corrective lenses
 Others are intrinsic to the eye itself
 7

Aberrations
 Some aberrations are attributable to
corrective lenses
 Others are intrinsic to the eye itself
 We are familiar with two of these already:
 Spherical error (myopia/hyperopia)
 Cylinder (astigmatism)
 8

Aberrations
 Some aberrations are attributable to
corrective lenses
 Others are intrinsic to the eye itself
 We are familiar with two of these already:
 Spherical error (myopia/hyperopia)
 Cylinder (astigmatism)
 Among the others, one of the more important is
Chromatic aberration
 9

We have until now made a simplifying assumption in

our examination of optics—we have focused exclusively
on the optics of monochromatic (single wavelength) light.
 10

We have until now made a simplifying assumption in

our examination of optics—we have focused exclusively
on the optics of monochromatic (single wavelength) light.

Obviously, light encountered under normal circumstances

is almost exclusively polychromatic (ie, white light).
 11

We have until now made a simplifying assumption in

our examination of optics—we have focused exclusively
on the optics of monochromatic (single wavelength) light.

Obviously, light encountered under normal circumstances

is almost exclusively polychromatic (ie, white light).

So, let us now turn our attention to an aberrancy owing to

light’s polychromaticity, namely chromatic aberration.
 12

But first, a brief review…

We have until now made a simplifying assumption in

our examination of optics—we have focused exclusively
on the optics of monochromatic (single wavelength) light.

Obviously, light encountered under normal circumstances

is almost exclusively polychromatic (ie, white light).

So, let us now turn our attention to an aberrancy owing to

light’s polychromaticity, namely chromatic aberration.
 13

Aberrations: Chromatic
But first, a brief review…

If we placed two prisms

base-to-base or apex-to-apex,
we could get light to converge
and diverge, respectively

This slide was first presented in Chapter 3. It was used to introduce the idea that lenses are
composed of prisms placed either base-to-base (plus lens) or apex-to-apex (minus lens).

In fact, we will at times find it very

= useful to think of lenses as being =
composed of prisms arranged in
just this manner!
 14

Aberrations: Chromatic
But first, a brief review…

If we placed two prisms

base-to-base or apex-to-apex,
we could get light to converge
and diverge, respectively

This slide was first presented in Chapter 3. It was used to introduce the idea that lenses are
composed of prisms placed either base-to-base (plus lens) or apex-to-apex (minus lens).

This is one of those times!

In fact, we will at times find it very

= useful to think of lenses as being =
composed of prisms arranged in
just this manner!
 15

Aberrations: Chromatic

As we noted then, prisms disperse white light into its component colors because
different wavelengths are refracted different amounts.
 16

Aberrations: Chromatic

As we noted then, prisms disperse white light into its component colors because
different wavelengths are refracted different amounts.

Why? Well, it seems we made yet another simplifying

assumption earlier, this one concerning Snell’s Law.
Rather than being a constant, it turns out that
the refractive index n of a given material varies as a
function of the wavelength of the light involved.
 17

Aberrations: Chromatic

As we noted then, prisms disperse white light into its component colors because
different wavelengths are refracted different amounts.

Refractive index of the Simplified Angle of transmission

material light is leaving with respect to the Normal
Snell’s Law
Why? Well, it seems we made yet another simplifying
ni sin qi = nt sin qt assumption earlier, this one concerning Snell’s Law.
Rather than being a constant, it turns out that
the refractive index n of a given material varies as a
Angle of incidence Refractive index of the function of the wavelength of the light involved.
with respect to the Normal material light is entering
 18

Aberrations: Chromatic

As we noted then, prisms disperse white light into its component colors because
different wavelengths are refracted different amounts.

Refractive index of the Simplified Angle of transmission

material light is leaving with respect to the Normal
Snell’s Law
Why? Well, it seems we made yet another simplifying
ni sin qi = nt sin qt assumption earlier, this one concerning Snell’s Law.
Rather than being a constant, it turns out that
the refractive index n of a given material varies as a
Angle of incidence Refractive index of the function of the wavelength of the light involved.
with respect to the Normal material light is entering

Because of this, for a given angle of incidence qi, each wavelength will be
refracted a different amount (ie, will have a different angle of transmission, qt).
 19

Aberrations: Chromatic

Prisms working in tandem would do the same thing.

 20

Aberrations: Chromatic

And because lenses are essentially prisms working in tandem, they do the same as well.
 21

Aberrations: Chromatic

And finally, because the cornea/lens of the eye act like one big lens…the eye does it as well.
 22

Aberrations: Chromatic

And finally, because the cornea/lens of the eye act like one big lens…the eye does it as well.
 23

Aberrations: Chromatic
Thus, when polychromatic light strikes the eye, it is refracted into a chromatic interval.

Polychromatic I
Light
 24

Aberrations: Chromatic
Thus, when polychromatic light strikes the eye, it is refracted into a chromatic interval.

How wide is the chromatic interval? About 1.25D!

Polychromatic I
Light
 25

Aberrations: Chromatic
Thus, when polychromatic light strikes the eye, it is refracted into a chromatic interval.

How wide is the chromatic interval? About 1.25D!

Polychromatic I
Light
 26

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration contributes to a phenomenon called night myopia.

I
 27

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration contributes to a phenomenon called night myopia.

Under bright illumination conditions, wavelengths from the yellow portion of the spectrum
predominate. (It is likely not a coincidence that this is the portion of the chromatic interval
that falls on the retina in an emmetropic eye.)
 28

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration contributes to a phenomenon called night myopia.

Under bright illumination conditions, wavelengths from the yellow portion of the spectrum
predominate. (It is likely not a coincidence that this is the portion of the chromatic interval
that falls on the retina in an emmetropic eye.)
 29

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration contributes to a phenomenon called night myopia.

However, under low-illumination conditions, the majority of wavelengths present are from
the blue-violet end of the spectrum. (Go out-of-doors at dusk and you’ll see what I mean.)
 30

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration contributes to a phenomenon called night myopia.

Because these wavelengths predominate, they constitute the majority

of rays reaching the retina. However, the inherent chromatic aberration
of the eye causes them to be focused in the vitreous, and thus the eye’s
refractive status effectively shifts from emmetropic to myopic.

However, under low-illumination conditions, the majority of wavelengths present are from
the blue-violet end of the spectrum. (Go out-of-doors at dusk and you’ll see what I mean.)
 31

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration contributes to a phenomenon called night myopia.

Because these wavelengths predominate, they constitute the majority

of rays reaching the retina. However, the inherent chromatic aberration
of the eye causes them to be focused in the vitreous, and thus the eye’s
refractive status effectively shifts from emmetropic to myopic.
This shift constitutes night myopia.

However, under low-illumination conditions, the majority of wavelengths present are from
the blue-violet end of the spectrum. (Go out-of-doors at dusk and you’ll see what I mean.)
 32

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.
 33

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

As mentioned previously, in emmetropia the yellow portion of the chromatic interval falls on the retina.
A good refraction will do the same for an ametrope. However, the fact that a pt can read the 20/20 line
doesn’t prove it is so.
 34

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

or I

For example, if a pt is somewhat overplused/underminused,

the entire chromatic interval will be pulled anteriorly. However,
Pt overplused the pt can still read the 20/20 line by way of wavelengths from
(or underminused) the red end of the polychromatic light emanating from the chart.

As mentioned previously, in emmetropia the yellow portion of the chromatic interval falls on the retina.
A good refraction will do the same for an ametrope. However, the fact that a pt can read the 20/20 line
doesn’t prove it is so.
 35

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

or I

For example, if a pt is somewhat overplused/underminused,

the entire chromatic interval will be pulled anteriorly. However,
Pt overplused the pt can still read the 20/20 line by way of wavelengths from
(or underminused) the red end of the polychromatic light emanating from the chart.

As mentioned previously, in emmetropia the yellow portion of the chromatic interval falls on the retina.
A good refraction will do the same for an ametrope. However, the fact that a pt can read the 20/20 line
doesn’t prove it is so.
 36

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

or I

Likewise, if a pt is underplused/overminused, the chromatic

interval will be pushed posteriorly. Despite this, the pt may
Pt underplused still read the 20/20 line via wavelengths from the blue/violet
(or overminused) end of the spectrum.

As mentioned previously, in emmetropia the yellow portion of the chromatic interval falls on the retina.
A good refraction will do the same for an ametrope. However, the fact that a pt can read the 20/20 line
doesn’t prove it is so.
 37

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

or I

Likewise, if a pt is underplused/overminused, the chromatic

interval will be pushed posteriorly. Despite this, the pt may
Pt underplused still read the 20/20 line via wavelengths from the blue/violet
(or overminused) end of the spectrum.

As mentioned previously, in emmetropia the yellow portion of the chromatic interval falls on the retina.
A good refraction will do the same for an ametrope. However, the fact that a pt can read the 20/20 line
doesn’t prove it is so.
 38

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 39

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF I

With the proposed refraction in place, a line of

easily-read (~20/50) Snellen letters are presented:
half against a red background, half against green.
(The test is done monocularly.) The pt is asked if
one group of letters appears clearer than the other.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 40

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF or I

If the pt is underplused/overminused,
Pt underplused the letters with a green background
(or overminused) will appear sharp, whereas those
With the proposed refraction in place, a line of with a red background will seem fuzzy.
easily-read (~20/50) Snellen letters are presented: Add plus until they’re equally sharp.
half against a red background, half against green.
(The test is done monocularly.) The pt is asked if
one group of letters appears clearer than the other.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 41

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF or I

But if the pt is overplused/underminused,

Pt overplused the letters with a red background appear
(or underminused) sharp, but those with a green background
With the proposed refraction in place, a line of seem fuzzy. Add minus until they’re
easily-read (~20/50) Snellen letters are presented: equally sharp.
half against a red background, half against green.
(The test is done monocularly.) The pt is asked if
one group of letters appears clearer than the other.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 42

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF I

Once the refraction has been adjusted so that

the yellow portion of the chromatic interval is
on the retina, the letters will appear equally
With the proposed refraction in place, a line of sharp, and you know the refraction is good!*
easily-read (~20/50) Snellen letters are presented:
half against a red background, half against green.
(The test is done monocularly.) The pt is asked if
one group of letters appears clearer than the other. *For that eye; don’t forget to test the other one!

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 43

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF I

Why use red and green as the test colors? Why not red and violet, which would cover the whole interval?
There are two reasons green is used as the anterior test bed in the duochrome test:
1) The wavelength corresponding to yellow (ie, the one we want to put on the retina) is roughly halfway
between those of green and red (don’t let the figure mislead you); and
2) If violet were used, the contrast with the black letters would be poor, and might influence the test.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 44

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF I

Why use red and green as the test colors? Why not red and violet, which would cover the whole interval?
There are two reasons green is used as the anterior color in the duochrome test:
1) The wavelength corresponding to yellow (ie, the one we want to put on the retina) is dioptrically halfway
between those of green and red (don’t let the figure mislead you); and
2) If violet were used, the contrast with the black letters would be poor, and might influence the test.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 45

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF I

Why use red and green as the test colors? Why not red and violet, which would cover the whole interval?
There are two reasons green is used as the anterior color in the duochrome test:
1) The wavelength corresponding to yellow (ie, the one we want to put on the retina) is dioptrically halfway
between those of green and red (don’t let the figure mislead you); and
2) If violet were used, the contrast with the black letters would be poor, and might influence the test.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 46

Aberrations: Chromatic
Chromatic aberration is not all bad, however. It forms the basis for a useful
clinical maneuver called the duochrome test.

ABC DEF I

Why use red and green as the test colors? Why not red and violet, which would cover the whole interval?
There are two reasons green is used as the anterior color in the duochrome test:
1) The wavelength corresponding to yellow (ie, the one we want to put on the retina) is dioptrically halfway
between those of green and red (don’t let the figure mislead you); and
2) If violet were used, the contrast with the black letters would be poor, and might influence the test.

The duochrome test works by pitting the two ends of the chromatic interval against one another.
 47

Aberrations
 Back in the day, only three aberrations
were recognized by clinicians:
 48

Aberrations
 Back in the day, only three aberrations
were recognized by clinicians:
1) Spherical error (ie, myopia/hyperopia)
 49

Aberrations
 Back in the day, only three aberrations
were recognized by clinicians:
1) Spherical error (ie, myopia/hyperopia)
2) Regular astigmatism
 Regular meaning ‘that which can be corrected with
cylindrical lenses’
 50

Aberrations
 Back in the day, only three aberrations
were recognized by clinicians:
1) Spherical error (ie, myopia/hyperopia)
2) Regular astigmatism
 Regular meaning ‘that which can be corrected with
cylindrical lenses’
3) Irregular astigmatism
 Irregular meaning ‘that which can’t be corrected with
cylindrical lenses’
 51

Aberrations
 Back in the day, only three aberrations
were recognized by clinicians:
1) Spherical error (ie, myopia/hyperopia)
2) Regular astigmatism
 Regular meaning ‘that which can be corrected with
cylindrical lenses’
3) Irregular astigmatism
 Irregular meaning ‘that which can’t be corrected with
cylindrical lenses’

Essentially, irregular astigmatism was a wastebasket term for aberrations that:

1) could not be measured in the clinic; and
2) could not be corrected (by glasses) even if they had been measureable
 52

Aberrations
Old Lingo

Sphere
Myopia
Hyperopia

‘Regular
Cylinder
Astigmatism’

This is how we thought of

aberrations back in the day
Any component
of refractive error
‘Irregular that could not be
Astigmatism’ remediated with
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses
 53

Aberrations
 Wavefront analysis did away with the first
problem
 Allows clinicians to identify/quantify many of the
refractive problems previously consigned to the
irregular-astigmatism wastebasket

Essentially, irregular astigmatism was a wastebasket term for aberrations that:

1) could not be measured in the clinic; and
2) could not be corrected even if they had been measureable
 54

Aberrations
Old Lingo New Lingo
(from wavefront analysis)

Sphere = Defocus
Myopia
Hyperopia

‘Regular
Cylinder
Astigmatism’

Any component
of refractive error
‘Irregular that could not be
Astigmatism’ remediated with
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses
 55

Aberrations
Old Lingo New Lingo
(from wavefront analysis)

Sphere = Defocus
Myopia = Positive defocus
Hyperopia = Negative defocus

‘Regular
Cylinder
Astigmatism’

Any component
of refractive error
‘Irregular that could not be
Astigmatism’ remediated with
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses
 56

Aberrations
Old Lingo New Lingo
(from wavefront analysis)

Sphere = Defocus
Myopia = Positive defocus
Hyperopia = Negative defocus

‘Regular =
Cylinder Cylinder
Astigmatism’

Any component
of refractive error
‘Irregular that could not be
Astigmatism’ remediated with
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses
 57

Aberrations
Old Lingo New Lingo
(from wavefront analysis)

Sphere = Defocus
Myopia = Positive defocus
Hyperopia = Negative defocus ‘Lower-order
Aberrations’
‘Regular =
Cylinder Cylinder
Astigmatism’

Any component
of refractive error
‘Irregular that could not be
Astigmatism’ remediated with
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses
 58

Aberrations
Old Lingo New Lingo
(from wavefront analysis)

Sphere = Defocus
Myopia = Positive defocus
Hyperopia = Negative defocus ‘Lower-order
Aberrations’
‘Regular =
Cylinder Cylinder
Astigmatism’

Spherical
aberration
Any component
of refractive error Coma
‘Irregular that could not be
=
Astigmatism’ remediated with Trefoil
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses (Others, less
clinically relevant)
 59

Aberrations
Old Lingo New Lingo
(from wavefront analysis)

Sphere = Defocus
Myopia = Positive defocus
Hyperopia = Negative defocus ‘Lower-order
Aberrations’
‘Regular =
Cylinder Cylinder
Astigmatism’

Spherical
aberration
Any component
of refractive error Coma
‘Irregular that could not be ‘Higher-order
=
Astigmatism’ remediated with Trefoil Aberrations’
spherical and/or
cylindrical lenses (Others, less
clinically relevant)
 60

Aberrations
 Wavefront-guided keratorefractive surgery
did away with the second problem

Essentially, irregular astigmatism was a wastebasket term for aberrations that:

1) could not be measured in the clinic; and
2) could not be corrected even if they had been measureable
 61

Aberrations
 Wavefront-guided keratorefractive surgery
did away with the second problem
 Allows surgeons to correct many of the higher-order
aberrations identified via wavefront analysis

Essentially, irregular astigmatism was a wastebasket term for aberrations that:

1) could not be measured in the clinic; and
2) could not be corrected even if they had been measureable
 62

Aberrations
 Wavefront-guided keratorefractive surgery
did away with the second problem
 Allows surgeons to correct many of the higher-order
aberrations identified via wavefront analysis
 Precisely which higher-order aberrations should be
corrected (and to what degree) is an unsettled issue
at this time

Essentially, irregular astigmatism was a wastebasket term for aberrations that:

1) could not be measured in the clinic; and
2) could not be corrected even if they had been measureable
 63

Aberrations
 Wavefront-guided keratorefractive surgery
did away with the second problem
 Allows surgeons to correct many of the higher-order
aberrations identified via wavefront analysis
 Precisely which higher-order aberrations should be
corrected (and to what degree) is an unsettled issue
at this time
 We will address higher-order aberrations in detail in
the Refractive Surgery subsection (slide-set RS6)

Essentially, irregular astigmatism was a wastebasket term for aberrations that:

1) could not be measured in the clinic; and
2) could not be corrected even if they had been measureable