Ophthalmometer

This article covers the ophthalmometer for determining corneal curvature; For the device for determining an exophthalmos see exophthalmometer (also "Hertel ophthalmometer" ).

A keratometer

The ophthalmometer (also called keratometer ) is an instrument for measuring the surface curvature of the cornea (lat. Cornea ) of the eye as well as for determining the course of the cornea ( keratometry ). The measuring device developed by Hermann von Helmholtz in 1851 allows the measurement of the virtual image and thus a conclusion about the curvature of the reflecting surface. An illuminated object is set up at a known distance and the reflection of the cornea is observed.

This measurement method is currently used primarily in ophthalmic optics for the adjustment of contact lenses , with the ophthalmometer being increasingly replaced by its further development, the video keratometer ( keratograph , video keratograph ).

Web links

• Entry on ophthalmometers in Flexikon , a Wiki of the DocCheck company
• Precision Mechanics and Optics Standards Committee (NAFuO): DIN NA 027 Ophthalmic Instruments - Ophthalmometers, DIN EN ISO 10343.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !