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Radius & Diopter Converter

Convert between corneal radius of curvature (mm) and keratometry readings (diopters) using the standard keratometry index.

Keratometry Conversion Calculator

Radius of curvature ↔ Diopters conversion

Normal range: 7.0 - 9.5 mm

About This Conversion

  • Uses standard keratometry index of 1.3375 (337.5 constant)
  • Average corneal radius: ~7.8 mm (≈43.25 D)
  • Steeper cornea = smaller radius = higher diopters
  • Flatter cornea = larger radius = lower diopters

Keratometry Reference

The Keratometry Index

The standard keratometry index of 1.3375 (constant 337.5) is used to convert between radius and diopters. This is a calibrated index, not the true corneal refractive index, designed to estimate total corneal power.

Normal Corneal Values

  • Average radius: 7.8 mm (range: 7.0-9.5 mm)
  • Average power: 43.25 D (range: 37.50-48.00 D)
  • Steeper cornea: smaller radius, higher diopters
  • Flatter cornea: larger radius, lower diopters

Clinical Applications

  • • Contact lens base curve selection
  • • IOL power calculations
  • • Keratoconus monitoring
  • • Orthokeratology fitting
  • • Comparing different keratometer outputs

Quick Reference

Radius (mm)Power (D)Description
7.2046.88Steep
7.8043.27Average
8.4040.18Flat
9.0037.50Very flat