Keratometry- 10 most important early referral time
Keratometry is a test which gives a report related to cornea’s anterior surface curvature. Here are the most important conditions in which it is wise to refer your patient for keratometry as a primary eye care practitioner.
1. Irregular astigmatism and keratometry
If your patient is still experiencing blurry or distorted vision even with glasses, it might be more than just a simple refractive error. Keratometry can help pinpoint the exact type and amount of astigmatism, making treatment more precise and effective.
2. Contact Lens Fitting
When patients are switching to rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses, keratometry is a must. It ensures the lens fits just right—especially important for those with irregularly shaped corneas—for comfort and clear vision.
3. Keratoconus and keratometry
If you suspect keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, keratometry is crucial. It tracks how the corneal shape is changing over time and helps guide timely treatment, like cross-linking.
4. Refractive Surgery Consults
Before any laser eye surgery like LASIK or PRK, keratometry helps assess whether the cornea is suitable. It can reveal irregularities that may affect surgical outcomes or suggest the need for alternative treatments.
5. Considering a Corneal Transplant
If a corneal transplant is on the table, keratometry is part of the essential prep. It helps surgeons plan the procedure and monitor how the cornea heals and reshapes afterward.
6. After Cataract Surgery
Some patients, especially those with toric IOLs, might still have visual complaints after cataract surgery. A keratometry check can reveal if residual corneal astigmatism is the cause and help with the next steps.
7. Corneal Injuries or Scarring
Whether it’s due to trauma, surgery, or infection, any change to the cornea’s surface can impact vision. Keratometry helps evaluate how much the cornea has changed and what can be done to improve visual clarity.
8. Vision Concerns in Kids
Kids with crossed eyes (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), or unclear vision even with glasses might benefit from keratometry. It helps rule out or identify corneal shape issues that could be affecting their vision development.
9. Starting Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
For patients interested in overnight vision correction (ortho-k lenses), keratometry is part of the fitting process. It maps the shape of the cornea to design lenses that gently reshape the eye while they sleep.
10. Fast-Progressing Myopia
In cases where a patient’s nearsightedness is rapidly worsening, keratometry can help figure out if changes in the cornea are playing a roleor if current treatments are making an impact.
Founder of EyesMatterMost- an optometry student who loves talking about eyes. I tend to cover topics related to optometry, ophthalmology, eye health, eyecare, eye cosmetics and everything in between. This website is a medium to educate my readers everything related to eyes.