LENS TYPES – MULTIFOCALS

AUTHOR
David Wilson: Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI), Sydney, Australia

PEER REVIEWER
Mo Jalie: Visiting Professor: University of Ulster, Varilux University in Paris

THIS CHAPTER WILL INCLUDE A REVIEW OF:

 Bifocals
 Optimum Requirements of the Lenses
 Image Jump
 Invisible Bifocals
 Trifocals
 Occupational Multifocals

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BIFOCALS

The round segment bifocal (Figure 5.1) was the first of the modern bifocals to be developed.
In CR-39 it can be felt as a small bump on the front surface of the lens and is formed by
moulding the lens. In glass it is formed by fusing a higher index glass into a crown glass
depression. Once finished the segment cannot be felt. We will discuss fused bifocals in more
detail later.
The round segment is often considered a general purpose bifocal, suitable for people who
do not do much reading. Its popularity is fading as a result of market preference for other
bifocal styles. It is, however, a very easy bifocal to produce and its round shape allows for
easier production of astigmatic prescriptions since the axis does not have to correspond with
a flat segment top. It is also the least obvious of the bifocals available (with the exception of
the rarely used blended bifocal).

ROUND SEGMENT
BIFOCALS

Figure 5.1: Round segment bifocal

Disadvantages
Despite its attractive simplicity, the round segment has two significant disadvantages. First,
and most important, it has an area of wasted space at the top of the segment, where the
segment is not wide enough for reading. It, therefore, requires the lines of sight to drop
further into the segment for comfortable reading. It is therefore not a good bifocal for patients
involved in a significant amount of close work.
Secondly, since the optical centre of the segment is a considerable distance from the
segment top (it is at the geometric centre of the segment), there is also noticeable image
jump, with the image appearing to jump up as the lines of sight enter the top of the segment.
We will consider this further later.
The flat-top bifocal (Figure 5.2) solved the main problem of the round segment, that is, it
removed the narrow, useless area at the top of the segment. In doing so, though, the
segment became, by necessity, more obvious, particularly in the CR-39 version. Like the
round segment, the CR-39 flat-top can be felt but rather than a small bump, there is a
definite ledge on the front surface which is not only more easily felt but also more easily
seen. In glass it is formed by fusing a higher index glass into a crown glass depression but
with a crown carrier segment at the top of the high index segment to produce the D shape.
Once finished the glass segment cannot be felt. Again, we will consider the glass lens later.

FLAT-TOP
BIFOCALS

Figure 5.2: Flat-top bifocal

Advantages
The flat-top is now the favoured all-purpose segment. In addition to its more useful reading
width, the flat-top also has considerably less image jump than the round segment since the
segment’s optical centre is close to the top of the segment.
Disadvantages
When compared to the round segment, the flat-top is less attractive. The production of
astigmatic prescriptions is also more critical and has less margin for error since when the
segment top is perfectly horizontal the lens must also be on axis.

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BIFOCALS (cont.)

The curved-top bifocal (Figure 5.3) is a variation on the flat-top. Rather than a perfectly flat
segment top the curved-top has a slight curve. Like the round segment and the flat-top, the
CR-39 curved-top can be felt. Its ledge is less noticeable than the flat-top but more obvious
than the round segment. It can also be produced in glass, again formed by fusing a higher
index glass into a crown glass depression but with a curved crown carrier segment at the top
of the high index segment to produce the curved shape. Again, once finished the glass
segment cannot be felt.

CURVED-TOP
BIFOCALS

Figure 5.3: Curved-top bifocal

Advantages
The curved-top is a very useful compromise between the cosmetics of the round segment
and the function of the flat-top. It also has considerably less image jump than the round
segment since the segments optical centre is close to the top of the segment. Its image jump
is comparable to the flat-top. Like the flat-top it also requires careful production of astigmatic
prescriptions, since when the segment top is perfectly horizontal the lens must also be on
axis.

The Executive bifocal (Figure 5.4) is the most obvious of all bifocals and has a large
downward facing ledge across the whole lens. The size of the ledge and the overall
thickness of the lens are determined by the power of the addition. The Executive was
designed largely as an occupation bifocal for people whose main concern was close work
(such as an architect).

EXECUTIVE
BIFOCALS

Figure 5.4: Executive bifocal

Advantages
The Executive’s main advantage is its very large reading zone. It also has no image jump,
with the segment optical centre being on the segment line. It does, however, have numerous
disadvantages.
Disadvantages
It is a thick, heavy and quite an ugly lens unless prism thinned (a process frequently used for
progressive lenses and discussed in more detail later). It also has problems with unwanted
prism.
Like the flat-top, the Executive requires careful production of astigmatic prescriptions, since
when the segment top is perfectly horizontal the lens must also be on axis.

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OPTIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE LENSES

The form of the lens is required to minimise the aberrations contributed by both portions of the lens. In the case of
fused bifocals, if the contact between the segment and the main portion of the lens is poor then the lens will give poor
imaging quality. The optical centre at distance, OD, should be coincident with the Major Reference Point (MRP) unless
prism is prescribed at distance, in which case the position of OD would be displaced from the MRP. Ideally the optical
centre at near, ON, should be coincident with the near reference point (NRP – where the wearer views through the
finished lens for reading). This is dependent on the powers of the main lens and the segment.

In practice, we set the optical centre of the segment OS at the NRP. Hyperopes however would need to converge
beyond the near reference point of an emmetrope to overcome the base out prism created by the distance power.
Myopes would converge less. This would create a slight overlapping of the segments from the wearer’s point of view.
This can be overcome by centering the segments at the near reference points determined by the distance power (from
Jalie).

FORMULA FOR CALCULATING THE NEW SEGMENT INSET: G = PL / (L + F – S)

Where: G = new inset
P = monocular distance PD
L = working distance in dioptres
F = distance lens power
S = eye (centre of rotation) to specs in dioptres

IMAGE JUMP

Ideally, no prismatic effect should be produced when the eye crosses the dividing line
between the main portion of the lens and the segment. This can only occur if the optical
centre of the segment is positioned exactly on the dividing line. In the example below as the
wearer looks through the lens at the top three stereos, they are seen as they appear in
Figure 5.5. When the wearer moves their eyes to view the fourth stereo down, their eye
crosses the dividing line and, due to the base down prism introduced by the segment, sees
the fifth stereo instead of the fourth stereo. The prismatic effect introduced at the dividing
line is known as jump and it represents the loss of an angular field of view (shaded area).
The extent of the jump experienced by the bifocal wearer is greater with round segment
bifocals than with flat top bifocals.

IMAGE JUMP

Figure 5.5: Prismatic effect produced through a bifocal

It should be noted that the magnitude of the jump is dependent on the power of the addition
and not the power of the reading prescription. As the size of the segment increases, then the
magnitude of jump increases due to the optical centre of the segment being positioned
further from the segment top.
The angular loss of field produced by dividing line for Round Segment can be calculated as
follows: Jump () = Radius of segment (cm) x Add
If prism power is incorporated to eliminate the effects of jump, it should be worked with the
ELIMINATING base up in the segment. This can be problematic because it increases the thickness of the
IMAGE JUMP segment and the segment becomes bulky and more visible. Jump is not normally a problem
with flat top bifocals. The use of progressive lenses will also eliminate image jump.

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INVISIBLE BIFOCALS

Invisible bifocals were developed in an attempt to conceal the dividing line of bifocals and
to improve their cosmesis. The blended bifocal is typically constructed from a one-piece
round bifocal in which the edge of the segment is blended into the surrounding distance
INVISIBLE BIFOCALS
lens to reduce the visibility of the line. Progressive addition lenses (PAL) are produced in
such a way that there is a gradual change in the curvature of the lens from the major
reference point to the near reference point. This will be discussed in more detail later.

The blended zone appears as an annulus around the segment where the addition is
located. The width of the blended zone is usually between 3mm and 5mm and the wearer
is unable to obtain clear vision through the blended zone due to the astigmatic effect
induced. The performance of the lens is otherwise similar to a standard round segment
bifocal. The segment becomes invisible with confrontational viewing but is visible when
the lens is viewed in profile.
The three dimensional iso-cylinder map shown in Figure 5.6 illustrates the areas of
astigmatism seen in blended bifocals. The raised annulus around the region of additive
power represents the magnitude of astigmatism induced by the blending procedure.
Blended zones extending over a narrow annulus (3mm) create large magnitudes of
astigmatism but limit the unusable area of the lens. Widening the region over which the
BLENDED BIFOCALS blending occurs will reduce the magnitude of induced astigmatism but will also result in a
larger unusable area.

Figure 5.6: Three dimensional iso-cylinder map

Fused glass round segment

The fused round segment involves the fusing of a higher index glass into a crown glass
depression (Figure 5.7).

FUSED BIFOCALS

Figure 5.7: Fused glass round segment

Flat-top and curved-top bifocals are produced in a similar way to the round segment and
the formulae for calculating the ratio of the indices and depression curves are identical.
The shape is obtained by using a crown glass carrier segment which is fused to the
shaped high index segment in order to produce a round button which can be fused into
the round depression in the crown blank. Once the button is fused and the front surface
ground, the carrier segment, being of the same index as the main blank, disappears.
Chromatism is less of a problem in shaped fused bifocals, given that the top of the
segment is close to the segment’s optical centre.

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INVISIBLE BIFOCALS (cont.)

The addition is created by the combination of a common front curve, the ratio of the two
indices and the depression curve.
The formula which determines the appropriate values is:
F = F- Fr
Or, given the addition, the front curve and the materials, the depression curve can be
calculated by rearranging the formula:
Fc = F1 – Fa r
Where:
Fa = the addition
F1 = the power of the front curve
Fc = the power of the depression curve (measured in the crown glass blank)
r = the ratio of the indices
r = n – 1n – n
Where:
nc = The refractive index of the crown blank
ns = The refractive index of the seg button.

Example: Calculate the depression curve required to produce a +2.50D add, given a front
curve of +6.00D and the following materials, main blank (n = 1.523) and segment
(n = 1.654).
R = n – 1n – n
FUSED BIFOCALS
(cont.) r = 1.523 – 11.654 – 1.523
r = 3.99
Fc = F1 – Fa r
Fc = 6 – 2.5 X 4
Fc = – 4.00D

Fused glass round segment – Advantages and disadvantages

With bifocals, most advantages and disadvantages can be related to the shape of the
segment and so, the fused round segment has similar characteristics to the CR-39 round
segment. For example, the ability to rotate the segment for PD and the considerable
image jump at the top of a round segment. When one rotates a round segment, the
segment still looks the same and it can be moved further in (assuming it is not astigmatic),
however, the same cannot be said for a flat top segment which will look very different if
one rotates the segment section. There are some advantages and disadvantages
however that can be related to the material used.
Advantages of fused bifocals
Fused bifocals are less noticeable than the CR-39 equivalent, particularly in higher
additions. They are also more scratch resistant, although the latest hard coatings for
plastic lenses has improved plastic lenses in this area.
Disadvantages of fused bifocals
Fused bifocals are heavier and less impact resistant that CR-39 bifocals. Also, because
the segment is made of a very low Abbe material, there is noticeable chromatism at the
top of the segment, particularly in high adds with a minus distance prescription. A plus
distance prescription tends to create an achromatic effect.

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TRIFOCALS

Trifocals are designed for advanced presbyopes to allow for better clarity at intermediate
distances. They have an intermediate segment of a lower add (usually 50% of the reading
add) which enables them to view objects at the other side of the desk, on a notice board
etc. Like bifocals, trifocals are available in different designs of which the three most
popular are the flat-top, the E-D Line and the Executive (Figure 5.8). The characteristics
of trifocals are the same as the equivalent bifocal design. So, for example, the Executive
trifocal is an unattractive lens but offers a wide reading and intermediate area. The E-D
Line trifocal is a combination of an Executive design and a flat-top. It is designed for
people who require a large intermediate zone but not necessarily a wide reading zone.
TRIFOCALS

Figure 5.8: Various types of trifocals

Trifocals (or progressives) are indicated when the addition is relatively high (above
+1.50 D) and the amplitude of accommodation proportionately low. Such advanced
INDICATIONS FOR presbyopes will have difficulty with intermediate objects which are both, beyond the focal
PRESCRIBING length of the bifocal add and within the limit of the patient’s amplitude of accommodation.
TRIFOCALS
Occupational trifocals are indicated when the intermediate field or position are unsuitable
for progressive lenses which will be discussed later.

FLAT-TOP OR The flat-top trifocal is similar to the D segment bifocal, however it is a fuller D shape using
D-SEGMENT a greater segment of a circle. The greater depth allows room for an intermediate band at
TRIFOCAL the top of the segment (Figure 5.9).

This lens is produced in the same way as the fused glass D segment bifocal (Figure 5.9).
FUSED GLASS D
The intermediate power is achieved by using a material with an index falling between the
SEGMENT TRIFOCAL
1.523 of the crown blank and the index used for the near.

Again, this lens is similar to its CR-39 bifocal equivalent.The optical centre of the segment
is the geometric centre of the circle from which the D is formed i.e. the intermediate and
near segments shares the same optical centre.

CR-39 D SEGMENT
TRIFOCAL

Figure 5.9: Fused glass D segment trifocal

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TRIFOCALS (cont.)

Flat-Top or D Segment
The most common trifocal is the flat-top or D segment. It has a diameter of 28 mm, with a
7 mm deep intermediate band and a 23 mm deep near segment. It is a popular all-round
trifocal but has limited fields through both intermediate and near.
Round Segment Trifocal
The round segment trifocal has a 32 mm near segment centred in a 48mm diameter
intermediate segment. This gives an intermediate band of 8mm. The round shape,
however, gives a smaller useable intermediate zone than the 28mm flat-top (Figures
5.10A and 5.10B).

Figure 5.10: Comparison of (a) Flat-top trifocal (b) Round segment trifocal

Executive Style (Franklin Style) Trifocal

The Executive style trifocal (known in some
countries as a Franklin trifocal) uses the
TYPICAL DIMENSIONS same design as the equivalent bifocal
(Figure 5.10C). The optical centre is
positioned on the intermediate segment
line, ensuring no image jump. It uses an
intermediate band of 7mm and is designed
for patients who require wide intermediate
and near fields. As with the bifocal, the
segment lines are prominent ledges,
making the lens unattractive. The lens is
also thicker than other trifocal types since
C
the lens thickness is determined by the
near power.

E-D Trifocal
The ED trifocal is a CR-39 lens which is
effectively a CR-39 Executive bifocal with a
near D segment positioned in the
intermediate zone of the Executive (Figure
5.10D). The thickness will be determined
by the intermediate power, and so the lens
will be somewhat thinner than an Executive
bifocal. The lens comes in two widths of
intermediate band with the deeper version
being designed for use with computer D
monitors. Figure 5.10: Comparison of
(c) Franklin style trifocal (d) ED trifocal

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OCCUPATIONAL MULTIFOCALS
While any bifocal can be designed for occupational purposes and large segment bifocals and trifocals
are often classified as occupational multifocals, there are a few multifocals that are only suitable for
specific uses. It is these specific purpose multifocals that we will consider as occupational multifocals.
The best example of this category is the librarian style trifocal (Figure 5.11). It appears to be a lens with
two flat-top segments, one in the bottom position as normal for near work and the other, upside down
at the top of the lens for viewing intermediate objects above the patient’s head. It comes in two
distance bands that is the distance between the D segments, of 12 mm and 15 mm.
This lens is designed for people who need to see objects at an intermediate distance above their
heads, for example librarians looking at books on high shelves or pilots looking at controls above them
etc.

OCCUPATIONAL
MULTIFOCALS Figure 5.11: Comparison of the librarian and executive occupational multifocals
The Executive occupational trifocal is of similar design, with the distance power in the middle band
(Figure 5.11). The librarian quadrifocal is the same as the Librarians trifocal with the exception that the
bottom D segment is a trifocal segment allowing the patient to see at intermediate distances below eye
level (Figure 5.12B).
The Dental upcurve bifocal is like an inverted glass segment with a 38mm diameter segment at the top
of the lens. The segment is the distant portion of the lens with the main part of the lens being the near
zone. This lens is intended for patients whose main requirement is near vision e.g. Dentists (Figure
5.12C).

Figure 5.12: Comparison of the librarian trifocal, librarian quadrifocal

and the dental upcurve bifocal occupational multifocals
The dental upcurve bifocal is like an inverted glass a segment, with a 38mm diameter segment at the
top of the lens. The segment, however, is the distance portion of the lens, with the main part of the lens
being the near zone (Figure 5.13). This lens is intended for patients whose main requirement is near
vision (such as dentists).

OCCUPATIONAL
BIFOCALS

Figure 5 13: Occupational trifocal, occupational quadrifocal and Dental upcurve bifocal

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SUMMARY
The term multifocal is often used incorrectly to refer to progressive lenses. However, multifocals have discrete
changes in power rather than a gradual change. The category of multifocals includes all bifocals, trifocals and
quadrifocals.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jalie M. 2003. Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing. Butterworth Heinemann, London.
Jalie M. 1984. Principles of Ophthalmic Lenses, ABDO, London.
Wakefield KG and Bennet AG. 2000. Bennett's Ophthalmic Prescription Work, Butterworth-Heinemann.
Brooks CW and Borish IM. 2006. System of Ophthalmic Dispensing. Butterworth Heinemann.
Brooks CW. 2005. Essentials of Ophthalmic Lens Finishing. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Wilson D. 2006. Practical Optical Dispensing 2nd Edition. Open Training and Education Network, Sydney.
Wilson D and Stenersen S. 2002. Practical Optical Workshop. Open Training and Education Network, Sydney.

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