Corneal topography is a non-contact test that maps the curvature and shape of the corneal surface. It is used in refractive surgery assessment, keratoconus diagnosis and contact lens fitting.
Patterns and uses
Placido-disc or Scheimpflug-based systems generate colour-coded maps showing steep and flat areas, along with indices of irregularity. Characteristic asymmetric or inferior steepening patterns can reveal early ectatic disease.
- Essential in screening for keratoconus before laser eye surgery
- Helps guide selection of toric intraocular lenses
- Allows monitoring of corneal stability over time
- Assists in designing customised contact lenses for irregular corneas
