Also known as photokeratoscopy or videokeratography, corneal topography is a means of mapping the front surface of the cornea (front window). Evaluating the surface curvature of the cornea is critical in determining your quality of vision because the cornea is responsible for approximately 70% of the eye’s visual activities. Corneal topography provides an eye doctor a three-dimensional map of the cornea or high and low surface of the eye, which can assist in:
- Planning LASIK or other refractive surgeries
- Diagnosis and treatment of various conditions of the eye
- Fitting contact lenses
- Screening for keratoconus and determining its severity (see caveat below)
- Evaluating astigmatism
- Planning of suture removal for patient who has had corneal transplant.
How Corneal Topography is Performed
You will be seated facing a bowl with an illuminated pattern—typically a pattern of concentric circles. The pattern of circles is focused on the front surface of the eye and reflected back to a digital camera at the center of the bowl. The camera takes a picture of the rings that is reflected from the rings. The computer then preforms analysis of the topography of your cornea, then providing your doctor the information to best fit the proper contact lens on your eye.
