A keratometer is a medical apparatus that eye-care professionals use to measure the reflection and curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea. One can also call the keratometer 'an ophthalmometer.' By virtue of the keratometer, an eye-doctor can assess the presence and extent of astigmatism. Astigmatism is a disorder of the eye in which the vision is blurred due to the unbalanced shape of cornea. Due to this, the cornea which is usually spherical becomes oblong in shape.
Keratometer was invented for the first time in the late 19th century by the French ophthalmologist Samuel Hankins. The modern keratometer makes use of optical sensors and relevant computer software to find out the contrasting difference of the cornea against a programmed value. The values shown by the keratometer are shown as keratometric values, which help the eye-doctors to determine the extent of astigmatism. An eye-surgeon also makes use of the keratometer in surgical procedures related to the eye.
Keratometer was invented for the first time in the late 19th century by the French ophthalmologist Samuel Hankins. The modern keratometer makes use of optical sensors and relevant computer software to find out the contrasting difference of the cornea against a programmed value. The values shown by the keratometer are shown as keratometric values, which help the eye-doctors to determine the extent of astigmatism. An eye-surgeon also makes use of the keratometer in surgical procedures related to the eye.