Meridional profiles of variance-covariance of dioptric power. Part 2. Profiles representing variation in one or more of sphere, cylinder and axis.

Meridional profiles of variation of dioptric power are constructed. Using the basic theory developed in an accompanying paper, samples are selected in a systematic way to illustrate variation only in sphere, only in cylinder and only in axis, and in all possible combinations of sphere, cylinder and axis. For each of the seven samples, scatter plots are constructed together with ellipsoids that represent the estimated distribution of powers in the population from which the sample was taken. The surfaces of the ellipsoids are surfaces of constant probability density within which 95% of the population is calculated to lie. The scatter plots and distribution ellipsoids are plotted in a three-dimensional space called h-space. Meridional profiles of variation are constructed for each of the samples. Properties of the profiles are discussed. Meridional profiles are also presented for eyes before and after radial keratotomy. Among other things, the profiles show meridians of greatest and least variation and are intuitively satisfying. They are potentially useful for the researcher and clinician including the surgeon. They may help to improve surgical and therapeutic techniques. Certain patterns may prove to be characteristic of physiological or pathological conditions, in which case meridional profiles may have use as a diagnostic tool.