New keratoscope optical system

For successfully carrying out microsurgical operations and contact lens fitting it is necessary to measure the corneal shape with a precision of 50 μm within a time of 0.05 s without patient discomfort. Special devices, keratoscopes, are used for this purpose. A new keratoscope has been designed which provides a series of unique advantages: the ability to investigate a cornea of any complicated shape, and an insensitivity to positional errors of the patient's eye relative to the device. In addition, special mathematical algorithms and software for image processing have been developed. A working model of the new device is now being used successfully for patient treatment in the Fyodorov clinic (Moscow). The original device optical system enables one to apply it in the instrument-making industry for testing the complicated aspherical surfaces of optical elements used in laser equipment.