Interferometer for measuring power distribution of ophthalmic lenses.

The use of a lateral shear interferometer in measuring the power variation of ophthalmic lenses is described and demonstrated. It is shown that an appropriate lateral shear interferometer directly measures the power variation of an ophthalmic lens. If the ophthalmic lens has a toric surface, the power for each axis can be measured separately. Individual surfaces can be tested, as well as the whole lens or the different segments of a multifocal lens. The sensitivity of the test can be selected by varying the amount of lateral shear. Because of the demonstrated simple relationship between fringe spacing and dioptric power, qualitative examination of the fringes has proved a useful adjunct to conventional quality control methods.