Corneal topography is a process for mapping the surface curvature of the cornea, similar to making a contour map of land.
The purpose of corneal topography is to produce a detailed description of the shape and power of the cornea. Using computerized imaging technology, the 3-dimensional map produced by the corneal topographer aids our ophthalmologist in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various visual conditions.
The procedure itself is painless and brief. It is a noncontact examination that photographs the surface of the eye.
Corneal topography is not a routine test. Rather, it is used in diagnosing certain types of problems, in evaluating a disease’s progression, in fitting some types of contact lenses, and in planning surgery. It is commonly used in preparing for refractive eye surgery such as LASIK, EpiLASIK.
Corneal topography is used in the diagnosis and management of various corneal curvature abnormalities and diseases such as:
- Keratoconus, a degenerative condition that causes a thinning of the cornea
- Corneal transplant or keratoplasty surgery
- Corneal scars or opacities
- Corneal deformities
- Fitting contact lenses
- Planning refractive surgery such as LASIK
We use the Pentacam Oculyzer Topography equipment in our centre for LASIK data collection. This data decides your treatment. Most equivalent equipment would test your eyes on 2-3 points but the Occulyzer tests it on 25,000 points giving us very accurate corneal thickness measurements.
