Ray vector fields and representation of thin spherocylindrical lenses.

PURPOSE

To introduce the concept of the ray vector field and apply it to a problem in ophthalmic optics.

METHODS

Matrix and linear algebra are used to relate ray vector fields and a representation of thin spherocylindrical lenses.

RESULTS

Equations were derived relating ray vector fields and a particular coordinate system recommended previously. The method is illustrated with a simple example from ophthalmic optics, namely, addition of spherocylindrical lenses. We also illustrate the method by considering two spherocylinders separated by a distance.

CONCLUSIONS

Ray vector fields are intuitively simple and can be used to solve complex ophthalmic optics problems.