Corneal topography is a computer assisted diagnostic technology that creates a three dimensional map of the front surface of the eye (the cornea). The cornea is responsible for about 75% of the eyes' focusing power. When we treat a patient who has lost quality vision due to keratoconus or refractive eye surgery (i.e., LASIK) it is extremely important to know what type of corneal surface we are dealing with.
An eye with normal vision will have a spherical or evenly rounded cornea. However, if the cornea is too flat or too steep or unevenly curved, less than perfect vision results. The greatest advantage of computerized corneal topography is the ability to detect and measure very small irregularities in the corneal surface that would be invisible with any other instrumentation. Corneal topography produces a detailed visual rendition of the shape and power of the cornea. The details provided by the corneal topographer allows us to better diagnose, treat and monitor many eye conditions. This technology is extremely valuable when it comes to fitting a compromised cornea with a specialty contact or scleral lens.
Computerized corneal topography is especially useful in evaluating a host of ocular conditions including:
- Keratoconus
- Pellucid marginal degeneration
- Post-corneal transplant surgery
- Post-refractive surgical conditions such as LASIK, PRK, R-K and POST-LASIK ECTASIA
- Post-operative cataract extractions
- Chronic dry eye
- Corneal deformities due to trauma and disease
- High levels of astigmatism
Watch Dr. Boshnick explain corneal topography using actual examples below
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Dr. Morris Waxler led the clinical trials at FDA when LASIK was approved. Dr. Waxler now says on his website, 
