Final answer:
An ophthalmometer, also known as a keratometer, measures the cornea's curvature to assist in fitting contact lenses and diagnosing corneal conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term ophthalmometer is also known as a keratometer. This device is specifically used to measure the curvature of the cornea of the eye, which is important when fitting contact lenses. Through the reflection of light from the convex mirror-like surface of the cornea, the keratometer records the magnification of the reflected image. A smaller magnification value indicates a smaller radius of curvature of the cornea's surface.
Intriguingly, the keratometer plays a crucial role in ophthalmology, where accurate corneal measurements are essential for various eye care solutions, including the fitting of contact lenses and the diagnosis of corneal conditions. For instance, when light positioned 12.0 cm from the cornea yields an image magnification of 0.0320, optometrists can calculate the cornea's radius of curvature, which is key to prescribing the appropriate corrective lenses.