The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye, and it is responsible for most of the eye’s focusing power. Any irregularities in the shape of the cornea can lead to distortions in vision. Corneal topography is the process of rendering 3D, detailed mapping of the cornea, enabling your eye doctor to identify irregularities and distortions in the cornea. 

The eye doctors at Ascension Optical may recommend corneal topography during your comprehensive eye exam, based on your eye health and visual needs. 

How is corneal topography used? 

There are many different reasons your eye doctor may recommend a corneal topography scan. Some of the reasons we may recommend corneal topography include the following: 

• To diagnose, monitor, and treat eye diseases and conditions
• Planning refractive surgery, such as LASIK 
• Determining an appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract surgery 
• Contact lens fittings, including scleral lenses and other specialty contact lenses 
• Evaluation of corneal astigmatism after keratoplasty

Eye Surface Profiler 

At Ascension Optical, our doctors use a revolutionary topography device called the ESP (Eye Surface Profiler). This topographer is the first to offer unprecedented measuring accuracy across the cornea, limbus, and large areas of the sclera. The measuring accuracy of the ESP is such that your doctor can now generate 3D ‘height maps’ of your eye’s surface in astonishing detail.

For patients being fitted with scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, orthokeratology, and even soft contact lenses, the Eye Surface Profiler (ESP) ensures your doctor will be able to identify which type of contact lens will be the best fit for your eyes. 

What to expect when getting a corneal topography scan 

Getting a corneal topography scan is non-invasive and painless. Nothing touches your eyes at any time. You will be seated in front of the corneal topographer and asked to stare at a fixed target inside the machine while pictures of your eyes are taken. The scan only takes a few seconds to complete.