What is an alternative use for the keratometer in optometry?

The keratometer is primarily utilized to measure the curvature of the cornea, which is crucial for fitting contact lenses and assessing corneal health. This measurement is vital because the curvature directly affects how light is refracted as it passes through the eye and can influence visual acuity. The ability to accurately measure the corneal curvature helps in determining the appropriate curvature for contact lenses and can also assist in evaluating conditions such as astigmatism.

While there are other devices and methods used for checking the refractive index of contact lenses, testing lens power of glasses, and assessing the thickness of lenses, the strength of the keratometer lies specifically in its function related to corneal curvature. This specialized capability makes it an indispensable tool in optometry.