Abstract: Assessment of total corneal power is essential for contact lens fitting and preoperative evaluation of corneal refractive surgery. There were many kinds of devices for total corneal power measurements. According to different measuring principles, total corneal power obtained by all kinds of devices can be divided into 3 categories: simulated keratometry (SimK), total corneal power based on Gaussian optic formula (KGOF) and total corneal power obtained by ray tracing method (Kray). Accurate assessment of total corneal power plays an important role in the prediction of intraocular lens power in eyes after corneal refractive surgery. Currently, there is no uniform standard for the assessment of total corneal power in eyes after corneal refractive surgery. Many scholars proposed their own formulas according to their studies. This review focuses on the total corneal refractive power, especially total corneal power in eyes after corneal refractive surgery and its progress in research and application, providing reference for ophthalmologists in clinic.