A sensor device for the inspection of the surface of a cylindrical hollow enclosure having at least one sensor unit set up for an optical confocal distance measurement. The at least one sensor unit has an elongated shape and exhibits an external optical system, through which a measurement device in which light can be emitted and received, is disposed transversely to a longitudinal axis of this sensor unit. The sensor device additionally comprises a movement mechanism, which is adapted to move the at least one sensor unit in one direction of motion into and out of a cylindrical hollow enclosure to be inspected. Control means are provided for measuring raisings of a surface of the cylindrical hollow enclosure and are adapted to control the at least one sensor unit for carrying out a first distance measurement, during which the measuring direction relative to the direction of motion is at an angle from 20° to 85°, and to control the at least one sensor unit for carrying out a second distance measurement, during which the measuring direction relative to the direction of motion is at an angle from 95° to 160°. To this end, the measuring direction of the at least one sensor unit can be at an angle between 95° and 175° relative to the longitudinal axis of said sensor unit, wherein this sensor unit is mounted on a rotatable bearing such that one and the same sensor unit can be moved to different positions of rotation for the first distance measurement and for the second distance measurement. Alternatively, the at least one sensor unit can comprise at least one first sensor unit and at least one second sensor unit, the first sensor unit being formed and linked with the movement device in such a manner that its measuring direction relative to the direction of motion is at an angle from 20° to 85°, and the second sensor unit being formed and linked with the movement device in such a manner that its measuring direction relative to the direction of motion is at an angle from 95° to 160°. In addition, a corresponding method is disclosed.