Measurement Errors Induced by Inaccurate Positioning of Ophthalmic Prisms and a Simple Way to Minimize Them

Abstract

Purpose: Ophthalmic prisms are routinely used to measure ocular deviation. However, large measurement errors could be induced when a prism is not accurately positioned at its calibration position. We report a simple way to minimize the errors. Methods: We measured powers of prisms and plastic prisms at their calibration position and at angles the prism was rotated away from the calibration position. Glass prisms that have power of 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 prism diopters (PD) and plastic prisms that has power of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 PD were used. To minimize the errors, we developed a pair of prism frame so that the prism can always be positioned accurately. Results: We have demonstrated large errors induced by rotating glass prisms and plastic prism away from their calibration position. Larger errors were recorded with glass prisms than with plastic prisms. The measurement errors are significant even with a small angle rotation for a large power glass prism. For instance, a 10-degrees rotation of a 50PD glass prism produces an error of 30PD. However, measurements errors were minimized when the prism frame was used. Conclusion: It suggests that the glass ophthalmic prism should be abandoned and the use of ophthalmic prisms in strabismus measurement should be standardized with assistance of the prism frame.