Theoretical calculations using a simple model eye in combination with achromatizing lenses or artificial pupils show that correcting wavelength-dependent refractive error or its effects can exaggerate wavelength-dependent magnification by up to a factor of 7. These calculations are confirmed experimentally, and their effects on retinal image quality are modeled. Because of the increased wavelength-dependent magnification, gains in polychromatic image quality produced by correcting wavelength-dependent refractive error (or minimizing its effects with small pupils) are generally restricted to a small region of the retina.