Base Curve Selection

[nscaleduck]

I've been an Optician for 30 years and I have recently taken a job in a gov't optical lab that employs many younger people trained by the military. There is an debate going on about base curve selection. Here is an example:
OD +1.00 -0.50 x 90
OS +3.50 -0.50 x 180
Most military OD's don't specify base curves, so separately, I would choose a 6D base curve for the OD and an 8D base curve for the OS (split base curves). But, since the patient will be wearing these together, I would choose the 8D base curve so that light would enter the lenses at the same angle and present a better appearance.
I would like to know your experience with split base curves and the effect this may have on patients. Also, if you know of any written reference I can go to on this subject. Thank you

[Darryl Meister]

Putting the +1.00 D on the 8.00 Base won't produce a significant reduction in performance, but will indeed balance the image magnification and cosmesis between the two lenses.