Corneal topography
Of
all the technology currently available, corneal topography provides the most
detailed information about the curvature of the cornea. Using a
very sophisticated computer and software, thousands of measurements are taken
and analyzed in just seconds. The computer generates a color map from
the data. This information is useful to evaluate and correct
astigmatism, monitor corneal disease, and detect irregularities in the corneal
shape.
The map is interpreted much like other topography
maps. The cool shades of blue and green represent flatter areas of the
cornea, while the warmer shades of orange and red and represent steeper areas. This corneal map allows the physician
to formulate a “3-D” perspective of the cornea’s shape. Measuring astigmatism is important for
planning refractive surgery, fitting contact lenses, and calculating
intraocular lens power.
