Corneal topography maps the curvature and sometimes elevation of the cornea, creating a colour-coded representation. It is crucial in fitting contact lenses, refractive surgery planning, and diagnosing ectatic disorders.
What it measures
Different systems use placido rings, scanning slits, or Scheimpflug imaging.
- Detailed curvature data across the corneal surface
- Detection of irregular astigmatism and subtle keratoconus
- Evaluation of post-surgical corneal shape and stability
- Indices that quantify asymmetry and ectasia risk
Clinical uses
Topography informs many corneal decisions.
- Screening candidates for LASIK or other refractive procedures
- Guiding design of rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses
- Monitoring progression in keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration
- Assessing outcomes after corneal cross-linking or transplantation
