In what unit are the results of keratometry typically expressed?

Keratometry measures the curvature of the cornea, which is crucial for determining the appropriate power of intraocular lenses for cataract surgery and for fitting contact lenses. The results of keratometry are typically expressed in diopters because this unit quantifies the optical power of the cornea based on its radius of curvature. A diopter is defined as the reciprocal of the focal length in meters; thus, it reflects how much the cornea bends light.

When performing keratometry, the device measures the curvature and converts that into power in diopters, which is essential for refractive analysis. This makes diopters the standard unit of measurement in this context, as it directly relates to the optical properties of the cornea. Other units like millimeters, centimeters, and degrees do not accurately convey the optical power essential for understanding corneal curvature in terms of vision correction.