Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 55, Issue 5 , Pages 481-497, September 2010

Origins of the Keratometer and its Evolving Role in Ophthalmology

  • Ron Gutmark, MD

      Affiliations

    • The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint address: Ron Gutmark, The Zanvyl Krieger Children's Eye Center, The Wilmer Institute, 233, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9028.
    • ,
  • David L. Guyton, MD

      Affiliations

    • The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

published online 01 July 2010.

Michael Marmor, Editor

Abstract 

The keratometer, or ophthalmometer as it was originally known, had its origins in the attempt to discover the seat of accommodation in the eye. Since that early beginning, it has been re-invented a number of times, with improvements and modifications made in the original principles of its design for new applications that arose as ophthalmology advanced. The cornea is not only responsible for the majority of the refraction in the eye, but is also readily accessible for measurement and modification. The keratometer's ability to measure the cornea has allowed it to play a central role in critical advances in ophthalmic history. This review describes the origins and principles of this instrument, the novel applications that led to the keratometer's continued resurgences over its nearly 250-year history, and the modern devices that have borrowed its basic principles and are beginning to replace it in common clinical practice.

Key words: astigmatism, contact lens, cornea, doubling mechanism, history, IOL power calculation, keratometer, ophthalmic devices, ophthalmometer, refractive surgery

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 The authors reported no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article. This work was supported by a grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution to fund Ron Gutmark, a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow.

PII: S0039-6257(10)00071-8

doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2010.03.001

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 55, Issue 5 , Pages 481-497, September 2010

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