Keratometer
The infrared Keratometer was developed by Prof. Frank Schaeffel at the University of Tübingen (Germany), and is being used by numerous labs world-wide. Based on the analysis of the reflection of IR LEDs on the corneal surface, the Keratometer automatically and conveniently measures the radius of the corneal curvature in alert small laboratory animals.
Background: Myopia, Eye Growth, and the Radius of Corneal Curvature
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, or near-sightedness, is a common disease where close obejcts can still be seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. In myopia, the eye is too long, and the optics of the eye focuses the image in front of the retina. High myopia can be dangerous, because the retina can detach due to the long eye ball, and is a leading cause of blindness. The degree of myopia can be described as the refractive state of the eye.
The cornea contributes most of the refractive power of the eye. As the eye grows (i.e., as myopia develops) this can also be observed in the change of the corneal curvature. This can be measured with the Keratometer. The reflection of 8 IR LEDs, arranged in a circle around the camera objective, is analyzed to determine the radius of the corneal curvature.
Striatech's Keratometer is designed to measure the corneal curvature in alert small laboratory animals. It is fully integrated (camera, light source, and provided analysis software) to obtain results quickly and automatically, even in alert and moving animals. Building upon the successful approach and design of Prof. Frank Schaeffel (University of Tübingen, Germany), it can be used with all common small animal models of myopia research: mice, rats, Guinea pigs, and chicken.
Photorefractor vs. Keratometer: Both methods are indirect measurements to monitor eye growth. The Keratometer measures the radius of the corneal curvature, but all changes between the ocular surface and the retina remain unknown. The Photorefractor measures the refractive state, but cannot reveal the contribution of the corneal curvature.
Brochure Photorefractor
Brochure Keratometer
Select publications
* Study performed with the original Keratometer by Prof. Frank Schaeffel.
