Corneal topography

It is used to diagnose certain corneal pathologies. Corneal topography is a very precise method that consists of making a computerized map of the cornea to diagnose corneal diseases.

What does Corneal topography involve?

During the investigation, the patient sits in front of the topographer with the head placed on a special holder, while a series of data are generated. The computer software digitizes these data points to produce a printout of the corneal shape, using different colors to identify different heights, just as a topographical map of the earth displays changes to the land surface. The topographic map can be represented in a number of graphical formats, such as a sagittal map, which color codes the steepness of the curvature according to its dioptric value. Testing is non-contact, painless and short.

What disorders can be diagnosed with Corneal topography?

Dr. Holhoș clinics are equipped with the Zeiss Atlas topographer, the top of the range from Zeiss, which allows a high accuracy of the investigation result. Zeiss’ patented technology for this device involves a certain degree of automation of the procedure, which means more precision and speed.

Computerized corneal topography can be beneficial in evaluating certain corneal diseases and injuries, including:

  • Corneal diseases
  • Corneal abrasions
  • Corneal deformities
  • Irregular astigmatism following corneal transplants
  • Postoperative cataract extraction with acquired astigmatism

Corneal topography is most commonly used for the following purposes:

Refractive surgery: examining patients for a normal corneal shape and excluding suspicious or keratoconus patterns. Postoperative, topography can help assess the dioptric change created in the cornea (thus actual corneal change), ruling out decent or incomplete ablation, post excimer ectasia or other changes.

Keratoconus: early screening of keratoconus suspects is one of the most useful roles of topography. In cases with established keratoconus, the role of topography is essential for monitoring progression and performing cross-linking surgery, and for fitting contact lenses.

Postoperative astigmatism: corneal astigmatism can be studied with the topographer and selective suture removal or other interventions can be planned.

Effect of corneal and ocular surface disorders: disorders such as pterygium, lingual dermoid, localized corneal scarring, can cause a change in corneal topography and therefore monitoring is very useful.

Other uses: contact lens fitting, incision placement and intrastromal ring placement in keratoconus, ocular vs corneal wavefront monitoring.

Text medically reviewed by Dr. Teodor Holhoș, Ophthalmic Surgeon
Written by Dr. Holhos Team
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

You can make an appointment quickly via the form on the right, or directly over the phone. Our colleagues at the reception desk will be happy to provide you with the availability and information you need to make an appointment. Filling in the form does not represent the registration or confirmation of an appointment, but submitting an appointment request. You will be contacted by our team to check the availability of doctors and make an appointment.

SEE PRACTICES AND CLINICS

Important note regarding patient consultations and surgery appointments

A patient who cancels a consultation or surgery appointment once, at least one day prior to the scheduled appointment, has the right to a second appointment under the same conditions.
If the patient cancels the second consultation and/or surgery appointment, a new appointment can be made only if the patient accepts to pay for both the consultation and the surgery in advance. This can be done either by payment order or in cash at the clinic reception.
A patient who does not show up for their consultation or surgery, who does not cancel the appointment in due time, or does not answer the clinic’s calls, may request a second appointment only if they pay for the consultation/surgery in advance. 
Patients requesting an appointment for retinal surgeries or laser Prk/Femtolasik/Smile Pro must pay 30% of the cost of the surgery in advance. The appointment will be scheduled only after receiving the advance payment. If the patient is unable to attend the scheduled consultation or surgery, and cancels the intervention at least 48 hours beforehand, they will be refunded in full. If the patient does not show up and does not cancel or contact the clinic at least 48 hours in advance, the advance paid is considered to be lost as damages and will no longer be refunded.