What is a caliper used for in the eye?

A caliper in the context of eye care is typically used to measure the dimensions of the eye, such as corneal curvature or the distance between key anatomical points. This tool helps ophthalmologists and optometrists assess eye shape and size, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like astigmatism or for planning surgeries like cataract or refractive surgery. Accurate measurements support effective treatment and fitting of contact lenses or glasses.