Corneal imaging includes tests that map the shape, thickness, and clarity of the cornea to assess its health and suitability for treatments. It is widely used in refractive surgery planning, keratoconus assessment, and corneal disease monitoring.
Techniques
Topography measures anterior surface curvature, while tomography and Scheimpflug systems analyse both front and back surfaces and corneal thickness. Other devices can assess higher-order aberrations or detect subtle scarring.
- Non-contact imaging using projected light patterns or rotating cameras
- Generates colour-coded maps of curvature and elevation
- Helps detect early ectatic changes before vision is significantly affected
- Used pre- and post-operatively in corneal and refractive procedures
Clinical Role
Corneal imaging guides diagnosis of keratoconus, evaluation of transplant grafts, and choice of contact lenses or surgical techniques. Serial scans allow objective monitoring of progression or stability.
- Abnormal maps may contraindicate certain refractive surgeries
- Thickness profiles assist in planning cross-linking or laser treatments
- Data can be integrated into IOL power calculations
- Findings must be interpreted together with refraction and slit-lamp examination
