The multimeridional apparent frontoparallel plane: introduction of the induced effect

The application of vertical rod stimuli to obtain apparent frontoparallel plane (AFPP) settings is well-known. A geometrical relation based on observation distance, interpupillary distance, and retinal disparity determines the deviation of the setting from the objective frontoparallel plane. Further developments of this procedure have established that a similar relation exists for oblique presentations of parallel rod stimuli, the orientation of the rods being an additional variable. This extension of the AFPP procedure is referred to as the multimeridional AFPP or MAFPP. It permits the determination of aniseikonia in oblique as well as horizontal meridians. Although oblique disparities contain a vertical component, an induced effect is absent as long as parallel rod stimuli are used alone. If an induced effect were present, the MAFPP geometrical relations would be expected to break down. To test this hypothesis, random dot arrays and a row of dots of the same frequency as a control stimulus of parallel lines were presented alone and in combination with the line stimuli. Binocular disparities were induced by a meridional afocal magnifier placed at various axes before one eye. It was found that the dot arrays caused a breakdown of the geometrical relation when presented alone or in combination with the parallel lines. The amount of deterioration varied only slightly with the number and arrangement of dot stimuli but increased as the vertical component of the oblique magnification increased. In addition to proving the main hypothesis, the data provide information pertaining to the MAFPP theory as well as offering some insight into the induced effect. The most important practical implication of the results is that the MAFPP theory can be used to measure unknown retinal disparities only if continuous parallel lines are presented in isolation.