What is the purpose of lens transposition in optometry?

The purpose of lens transposition in optometry is to simplify the prescription. This process involves converting a lens prescription from one format to another, typically from a prescription that includes a cylindrical (cyl) component to a more straightforward form. This can make it easier for both the optometrist and the patient to understand the required lens.

In practical terms, lens transposition takes a prescription written in the plus cylinder format (which details the power and axis of astigmatism) and converts it into a minus cylinder format, or vice versa. The goal is to present the prescription in a way that is simpler to comprehend and easier to interpret when ordering glasses or contact lenses. By simplifying the prescription, it aids in ensuring that patients receive the correct optical correction that suits their vision needs.

The other choices are relevant to lens characteristics and functions but do not capture the core intent behind lens transposition itself. Increasing lens thickness, changing the power of the lens, or altering the axis of the cylinder are elements that can be related to lens design or prescription details but are not specifically what lens transposition aims to do.