Attempts to describe normal corneal shape and to represent corneal topography by an array of discrete points have limited usefulness. A quantitative photogrammetric method that produces indices to describe corneal shape was developed. Four indices depict the departure of keratographic rings from circularity, and two indices express the trends and consistencies of all the rings from one keratograph. This photogrammetric index method (PIM) was evaluated against established measurement techniques. Values for the six indices were computed for groups (10 corneas each) of symmetrical, regularly astigmatic, and keratoconic corneas that had been defined by keratometry and clinical criteria. Predictions of the differences among groups were formulated for each index based on group descriptions and anticipated manual tracing and/or digitization error. Parametric and nonparametric tests of significance supported most predictions. The asymmetry of irregularly astigmatic keratoconic corneas, the variability of their orthogonal principal meridians, and an increasing symmetry toward their peripheries were documented clearly. The circularity of symmetrical group rings and the ellipticity of regularly astigmatic group rings were also evident. Preliminary norms are offered to illustrate the usefulness of the PIM in defining groups of corneas with the same histories and in classifying individual corneas
