A keratometer measures the curvature and reflex of the cornea to diagnose astigmatism and determine its degree and treatment. It was invented in the late 19th century and has evolved with technology. It is also used to assist eye surgeons in certain procedures.
A keratometer is a medical instrument that eye doctors use to measure the curvature and reflex of the front surface of the cornea. Also sometimes called an ophthalmometer, this device is primarily used to diagnose the presence of astigmatism and to determine its degree and how it can be treated. Astigmatism is an eye condition in which the cornea or lens is deformed and can cause vision problems.
The original keratometer was invented in the late 19th century in a collaborative effort by French ophthalmologist Louis Émile Javal, founder and director of the ophthalmology laboratory at the Sorbonne University in Paris, and Javal’s co-director and former student, Hjalmar Schiotz. Javal’s study of medicine and subsequent development of technology in ophthalmology were likely a result of his vision problems, which he suffered from for most of his life.
The modern instrument uses optical sensors and computer technology to measure corneal comparisons and contrasts against a predetermined value. The values determined by it are called keratometric values and allow ophthalmologists to determine the presence and degree of astigmatism. There are two types of astigmatism: the most common is a deformed cornea, but sometimes the lens, located behind the cornea, can become deformed. A normal cornea is spherical, but in the case of astigmatism the cornea is oblong. The keratometer measures the cornea in several places and helps determine a correct corrective prescription, the degree of correction, and whether concave or convex lenses are needed to restore vision to an acceptable level.
The device is also often used to assist an eye surgeon with certain surgical procedures. An operating keratometer provides an LED light as a focus point for the patient and refracts the correct meridians, allowing the surgeon to make precise incisions during cataract and other corrective eye surgery. Just as the tool has evolved with technology, so have other tools and procedures related to vision and eye care. Today, it is not only possible for eye doctors to determine the exact cause of vision problems, but also to surgically correct many conditions that affect both vision and eye health.
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