What is a caliper used for in optometry?

A caliper is an important tool used in optometry specifically for measuring thickness. This measurement can relate to various aspects of optical products, such as the thickness of lenses, frames, or even other components in optical devices. Accurate thickness measurements are crucial when fitting lenses into frames, ensuring that the lenses sit correctly and function as intended.

When selecting or customizing lenses for a patient, precision in thickness is necessary to optimize the optical performance and comfort. The other options, while related to the field, do not apply to the specific function of a caliper. For instance, measuring light intensity is typically done with photometers, calibrating lenses involves precise optical adjustments, and adjusting frame size refers more to physical alterations made to frames rather than measurements. Therefore, understanding the function of a caliper in measuring thickness is essential for quality assurance in optometric practices.