Which instrument measures the curvature of the cornea?

The keratoscope is specifically designed to measure the curvature of the cornea. It utilizes reflected rings of light or a grid pattern projected onto the cornea, allowing the technician to assess variations in corneal curvature. This measurement is crucial for understanding how the cornea focuses light, which is essential for diagnosing and managing refractive errors, as well as for fitting contact lenses.

In contrast, an ophthalmoscope is used to examine the interior structures of the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve, but it does not measure corneal curvature. A retinoscope is an instrument used to evaluate refractive errors by projecting light into the eye and observing the reflection from the retina; it does not provide information about corneal shape. Lastly, a tonometer measures intraocular pressure, which is important for assessing glaucoma, but it also does not assess the curvature of the cornea. Thus, the keratoscope is the only instrument among the options that is directly associated with measuring corneal curvature.