Visual optics under the wavefront perspective

Abstract

Some intriguing concepts of visual optics cannot be explained by ray tracing. However, they can be clarified using wavefront formalism. Its main advantage is in the use of the concept of vergence, which is very helpful in interpreting the optical phenomena involved in the neutralization of the ametropias. In this line of thinking, the major role of a lens is in the creation of a new light source (the image point) that orientates the refracted waves. Once the nature and position of this source is known, one can easily predict the behavior of the wavefronts. The formalism also allows for an easier understanding on how wavefronts relate to light rays and on how algebraic signs are assigned to optical distances.

Astigmatism: Aberration or ametropia?

“…If the object point is at infinity, each image line becomes a focal line 1 . The very formation of a proximal and a distal focal line for each object point configures an optical aberration, namely, astigmatic aberration or astigmatism.…”