In-Office Procedures · Dry Eye Diagnostics

Keratograph 5M The advanced corneal topographer.

The OCULUS Keratograph 5M is an advanced corneal topographer with a built-in real keratometer and a color camera optimized for external imaging. It supports dry eye workups with non-invasive tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, lipid layer, meibomian gland and bulbar redness assessments.

OCULUS Keratograph 5M on an ophthalmic table
22Placido rings
22,000Measured data points per scan
±0.1 DAccuracy and reproducibility
0Fluorescein needed for NIKBUT

How it works

Non-invasive dry eye assessment on one platform

The Keratograph 5M captures tear film, lid and ocular surface measurements without fluorescein, using infrared and white light imaging. Pre-calibrated workflows let technicians capture measurements, and automated analysis feeds a single report for diagnosis, patient education and follow-up.

Automatic NIKBUT

Non-invasive tear film break-up time is measured automatically within seconds, without fluorescein, using infrared illumination that avoids glare.

Meibomian gland imaging

Meibo-Scan images the meibomian glands of the upper and lower lids, and Meibo Analytics automatically analyses gland structure and quantifies gland loss.

Tear meniscus and lipid layer

Tear meniscus height is measured non-invasively, and the lipid layer is evaluated from its interference pattern.

Objective redness grading

R-Scan classifies bulbar and limbal redness objectively.

Patient-ready reporting

The Crystal TEAR Report combines diagnostic images, videos and patient-reported symptoms into one summary for documentation, patient education and monitoring treatment at follow-up.

Topographer, keratometer and external camera in one

Placido topography, a real keratometer and multi-wavelength illumination support both dry eye workups and contact lens fitting.

  • Non-invasive, fluorescein-free NIKBUT
  • Automated meibomian gland analysis
  • Technician-friendly calibrated workflows
  • 22-ring Placido topography

    22 Placido rings generate 22,000 real measured data points on the anterior cornea, with Fourier and Zernike analysis.

  • Built-in real keratometer

    Measures real anterior surface K values rather than simulated Ks.

  • Multi-wavelength light sources

    White and 880 nm infrared Placido illumination, 465 nm blue light for fluorescein imaging and 840 nm infrared for meibography.

  • Imaging and analysis software

    TF-Scan tear film analysis, Meibo Analytics, R-Scan, OxiMap oxygen transmissibility maps, pupillometry and a contact lens fitting database.

The exam

The exam workflow

A Keratograph 5M dry eye workup is non-invasive and can be delegated to trained staff.

Practitioner examining a patient with the Keratograph 5M

Non-contact measurements

NIKBUT, tear meniscus height, lipid layer, meibography and redness are captured without fluorescein or contact with the eye.

Fast screening

A four-procedure screening option suits routine patient screening, and NIKBUT is measured automatically within seconds. Tests are performed from least to most invasive.

Report and follow-up

Results feed the Crystal TEAR Report, and side-by-side comparisons support follow-up visits and monitoring of treatment.

Specifications

Technical specifications
Accuracy ±0.1 D
Reproducibility ±0.1 D
Number of Placido rings 22
Measuring points 22,000
Working distance 78–100 mm
Camera Digital CCD camera
Light sources Placido: white diodes and infrared diodes (880 nm); imaging: blue diodes (465 nm); meibography: infrared (840 nm); tear film dynamics: white diodes; pupillometry: infrared (880 nm)
Dimensions (W × D × H) 275 × 320–400 × 480–510 mm
Weight, measuring head 3.2 kg
Weight, with xy base 6.1 kg
Max. power consumption 18 W
Voltage / frequency 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Data export NIKBUT, R-Scan and keratometric data to CSV

Common questions about Keratograph 5M

Is NIKBUT the same as fluorescein TFBUT?

No. There are differences between non-invasive keratograph break-up time and fluorescein tear film break-up time.

Can NIKBUT be measured in severe dry eye?

Measurement is difficult when there is severe corneal epithelial damage, and results typically show very short values.

Does keratoconus affect the NIKBUT measurement?

No. The software detects distortions, although advanced keratoconus or severe irregular astigmatism makes measurement challenging.

Are meibomian glands graded objectively?

Meibo Analytics automatically analyses gland structure and quantifies gland loss, and the JENVIS Grading Scales allow direct comparison against grading references.

Does the Keratograph 5M diagnose dry eye?

It provides examinations that support the diagnosis.

Does it measure the posterior cornea?

No. Placido topography measures the anterior cornea only.

Can data be exported?

Yes. NIKBUT, R-Scan and keratometric data can be exported to CSV files.

Bring objective dry eye diagnostics into your practice

The Keratograph 5M combines corneal topography with non-invasive tear film, meibomian gland and redness assessment in one device.

Keratograph 5M is a trademark of OCULUS. Review the full manufacturer instructions for use, including all warnings, precautions and contraindications, before use. Individual results vary.