Corneal mapping, also known as corneal topography, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that provides detailed, 3D images of the cornea (the clear, front window of the eye).   

The cornea is responsible for most of the eye’s focusing power. An irregular corneal shape can cause vision problems ranging from mild myopia to severe keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. With a corneal topography scan, our eye doctor can identify irregularities or distortions in the cornea to help protect your vision and ensure healthy eyes for years to come.   

What is corneal topography used for?    

Corneal topography is useful for planning eye surgery, monitoring and treating corneal conditions, and fitting contact lenses. Your eye doctor may recommend a corneal topography scan for several different reasons:  

• Corneal diseases: Topography can help diagnose and monitor corneal conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and corneal ectasia. 
• Refractive errors: Topography can be used to identify refractive errors like astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. 
• Contact lens fitting: Topography is useful for evaluating someone’s suitability for contact lenses and improving the accuracy of contact lens fitting. 
• Dry eye evaluation: Corneal topography can provide valuable information to help diagnose and monitor dry eye syndrome. For example, using corneal mapping, our doctor can measure tear film break-up time and corneal thickness to determine the severity of dry eye and monitor its progress. 
• Pre-operative evaluation: Topography can help assess the cornea’s shape and identify potential problems before laser eye surgery, such as LASIK. 
• Follow-up care: Topography can help monitor changes in the cornea’s shape and curvature over time. 

What to expect when getting a corneal topography scan   

Corneal topography scans are non-invasive and painless, and nothing touches your eyes at any time. During the scan, you will sit in front of the instrument and stare at a fixed target inside the machine while pictures of your eyes are taken. The scan only takes a few seconds to complete.   

After the scan, our eye doctor will review the results and discuss any findings with you. They may use the information from the scan to diagnose and monitor various eye conditions, such as corneal diseases, refractive errors, or dry eye syndrome. Based on the results, our eye care professional may recommend additional testing, treatment, or follow-up appointments as needed.  

Corneal mapping with the OCULUS Pentacam® 

At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we use the OCULUS Pentacam® corneal topography system to capture multiple detailed images of the cornea from different angles. These images are combined to create a 3D map of the cornea, allowing for a detailed analysis of its shape, thickness, and curvature. The Pentacam® is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning for various eye conditions, leading to better outcomes for our patients. 

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of eye conditions or are interested in learning more about corneal mapping, schedule an appointment at our office in Liberal today.