Keratometers
A keratometer measures the curvature of the anterior cornea, reporting the flattest and steepest meridians (K1 and K2) that together define corneal astigmatism. Those readings sit at the center of everyday clinical and dispensing work: baseline refraction and astigmatism assessment, rigid gas-permeable and specialty contact lens fitting, pre-operative IOL power planning, and monitoring corneal shape over time in conditions such as keratoconus. Because the cornea behaves like a convex mirror, the instrument projects illuminated mires onto its surface and calculates curvature from the size of the reflected image, giving a fast, non-contact reading that takes only seconds per eye.
As a US-based ophthalmic and optometric equipment provider, we carry keratometers ranging from classic tabletop manual instruments to lightweight handheld automated units, including our own Ezer line. Every device is backed by a US warranty, an in-house technical and repair department, and stocked spare parts, so a keratometer you put into daily service stays calibrated and supported for years. Whether you are equipping a new lane, adding a dedicated K instrument alongside a topographer, or outfitting a mobile clinic, our team can help match the right model to your workflow. Request a quote and we will help you specify it.
How to choose a keratometer
- Manual or automated: Manual keratometers such as the KR-800C use an internal scale and joystick alignment; they are accurate, durable, and let a trained user judge tear film and mire quality directly. Handheld automated units read in a fraction of a second with minimal alignment, which suits higher-volume lanes and less experienced operators. Match the instrument to who will use it and how often.
- What you measure and fit: If you fit rigid gas-permeable or specialty contact lenses, confirm the device covers the curvature range you work in and, ideally, offers a contact-lens base-curve mode for verifying lenses. For astigmatism assessment and monitoring corneal shape over time, consistent, repeatable K readings matter most.
- Footprint and portability: A tabletop keratometer needs dedicated lane space and a stable surface, while a handheld auto keratometer like the EZ-KR-1800 weighs under a pound and travels to bedside, nursing-home, and outreach settings. Consider where measurements actually happen before committing to a form factor.
- Data output and documentation: Decide whether you need a printed record or wireless output for the chart. Automated units frequently include a printer or digital capture, which speeds documentation and reduces transcription errors in busy contact-lens and pre-surgical workflows.
- Service, warranty, and spare parts: A keratometer is a long-lived instrument, so who stands behind it matters. We support the units we sell with a US warranty, an in-house repair department, and stocked spare parts, which keeps calibration and turnaround in-country rather than shipping the device overseas.
- New, open-box, or refurbished: New instruments carry full warranty and the latest revision, while open-box or refurbished units can lower cost for a second lane or a backup K device. Whatever the condition, verify calibration and confirm what service coverage is included before you buy.
Keratometers we carry
Our current keratometer lineup pairs a classic tabletop manual instrument with a portable automated option, so you can equip a fixed lane or measure on the move.
| Model | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EZ-KR-1800 (Ezer) | Handheld automated keratometer | Portable, bedside, and outreach use; contact-lens base-curve checks |
| KR-800C (Luxvision) | Tabletop manual keratometer | In-lane corneal curvature and astigmatism; GP and specialty contact-lens fitting |
Frequently asked questions
What does a keratometer measure? It measures the radius of curvature of the central anterior cornea and reports it as K readings, the flattest and steepest meridians (K1 and K2), which together quantify corneal astigmatism. These values support refraction, contact lens fitting, IOL power calculation, and monitoring of corneal shape over time.
What is the difference between a manual and an automated keratometer? A manual keratometer relies on the operator to align and focus the mires and read an internal scale, giving direct feedback on tear film and corneal quality. An automated keratometer captures readings in a fraction of a second with minimal alignment, which is faster and more consistent across operators. Many practices keep a manual instrument for specialty lens work and an automated one for routine, high-volume measurement.
Do I still need a keratometer if I have an autorefractor or topographer? Many offices keep a dedicated keratometer as a fast, reliable K source, a backup to combination units, and a practical tool for GP and specialty contact lens fitting. A standalone instrument is also a lower-cost way to add keratometry to a lane or satellite location without a full diagnostic unit.
Can I measure contact lens base curves with a keratometer? Yes. Keratometers are commonly used to verify the base curve of rigid gas-permeable lenses, and some units, such as the handheld EZ-KR-1800, include a dedicated contact-lens base-curve mode for that purpose. Confirm the curvature range and mode fit the lenses you dispense.
Should I buy a new or a refurbished/open-box keratometer? New keratometers include full warranty and the current revision, while open-box or refurbished units reduce cost for a second lane or a backup. In every case, confirm the instrument is calibrated and ask what warranty and in-house service coverage is included; support and spare-parts availability matter more than the sticker price over the life of the device.
