A review of corneal diameter, curvature and thickness values and influencing factors*

Abstract

The cornea is an important ocular structure involved in the mediation of visual perception. It is the principal refractive surface of the eye and vision can be significantly affected by relatively small changes in its structure and parameters. Measurement of corneal parameters is important in the diagnosis and management of ocular diseasessuch as keratoconus and glaucoma, and also in the fitting of contact lenses or with refractive surgery such as Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis(LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The human corneal diameter, anterior curvature and centre thickness as well as factors influencing them are reviewed in this article. This review will be useful to eye care professionals who routinely measure these parameters when fitting contact lenses and assessing, diagnosing as well as managing corneal and other ocular conditions. (S Afr Optom 2013 72(4) 185-194)