What type of test is primarily used to assess the corneal curvature?

Keratometry is the primary test used to assess the curvature of the cornea. This test involves measuring the radius of curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, which is crucial for evaluating conditions such as astigmatism, determining the appropriate fit for contact lenses, and planning for corneal surgeries like LASIK.

The process typically employs a keratometer or an autorefractor that projects light onto the cornea and analyzes the reflection to determine its curvature. This information is vital not only for refractive correction but also for understanding the overall health and morphology of the cornea, which is essential in various ophthalmic practices.

While visual acuity tests primarily measure the sharpness of vision and intraocular pressure tests assess the pressure within the eye, they do not provide direct information regarding the curvature of the cornea. A fundus examination allows for viewing the interior of the eye but is unrelated to corneal assessment. Thus, keratometry is distinctly tailored for evaluating corneal curvature.