Corneal Topography & Tomography

Corneal topography is a computerized diagnostic tool that creates a three-dimensional map of the curved surface of the cornea. The cornea is the outermost transparent part of the eye that is shaped like a vault and whose size is similar to the diameter of the iris (colored area of the eye). The great advantage of corneal topography over other methods is its ease of detecting invisible corneal irregularities by means of most conventional examinations.

In the last 10-15 years, corneal topography has received tremendous momentum from being a device used only for research to be an instrument used by many optometrists and ophthalmologists daily in their consultations. I was fortunate to be one of the first optometrists in Spain to use it since I have worked with a surveyor since 2000 and that is why I can say that in certain cases it has been an enormous advance for the early diagnosis of corneal alterations and irregularities such as Keratoconus and Pellucida Marginal Degeneration, as well as for the adaptation of special contact lenses.

The definitive impulse to popularize the use of corneal topography was the appearance of laser refractive surgery since it is an essential instrument for the pre-surgery and post-surgery study.

In which cases is it recommended to use corneal topography?

The most common uses of corneal topography are:

1. Diagnosis and monitoring of corneal diseases such as Keratoconus, Pellucida Marginal Degeneration, irregular astigmatisms, etc ...

2. Pre and post laser surgery study of myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.

3. Cornea transplants (both before and after surgery)

3. In special contact lens adaptations:

Ortho-k: Night orthokeratology that are rigid gas permeable contact lenses of special design that allow in some cases to reduce the graduation temporarily and thus during the day it is not necessary to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Keratoconus, corneal degeneration pellucida, etc ... since simulations and virtual adaptations of contact lenses that allow a better choice of the first lens to be tested can be performed.
Elevated astigmatisms to define its size and the area of ​​the cornea affected.
Cornea transplants: it is the most complicated case of adapting contact lenses and the corneal surveyor will help us to orient ourselves on the best contact lens to try.
Corneal molds (warpage). In cases where the cornea is modified by the use of an inappropriate contact lens or in poor condition, some alterations occur that must be followed until they disappear in order to make a new adaptation.