When fitting a gas permeable lens steeper than the K reading, what type of power does the lacrimal lens have?

When fitting a gas permeable lens that is steeper than the K reading, the lacrimal lens forms between the back surface of the contact lens and the front surface of the cornea. This lacrimal lens effectively creates an additional optical power to the system.

Since the contact lens is steeper than the K reading, which represents the corneal curvature, the lens is designed to fit into this curvature more snugly, creating a space filled with tears. This geometry results in a shape that is similar to a plus lens, leading to the lacrimal lens having plus power.

The steeper design means that the lens is creating a convex relationship with the corneal surface, which adds positive optical power to the system. In summary, when a gas permeable lens is steeper than the K reading, it leads to the creation of a lacrimal lens that has plus power, as it enhances the overall refractive effect by converging light rays more effectively towards the retina.