It maps the curvature of the corneal surface, very much like the contour map of land surface.
The purpose is to produce a detailed description of the shape and power of the cornea. A 3-dimensional map is producedusing computerized imaging technology which aids the ophthalmologist in the diagnosis &mangement; of various corneal conditions.
The procedure is painless and brief. It is a non-contact examination and photographs the surface of the eye. Though not a routine test, it is used in diagnosing, monitoring progression of various corneal curvature abnormalities and diseases. It is useful in conditions such as:
- Keratoconus, a degenerative condition that causes a thinning of the cornea
- Corneal scars or opacities
- Corneal deformities
- Fitting contact lenses
- Planning Refractive eye surgeries such as LASIK, EpiLASIK.
- Corneal transplant or keratoplasty surgery
We use the PentacamOculyzer Topography equipment in our centre for LASIK data collection. This data decides your treatment. Most equivalent equipment would test your eyes on 2-3 points but the Occulyzer tests it on 25,000 points giving us very accurate corneal thickness measurements.
The Pentacam is the first instrument that provides a truly accurate assessment of both the front and back surfaces of the cornea. It has become a tremendously valuable tool in assessing patients& is a comprehensive eye scanner which provides data critical to the planning of the treatment.
The Pentacam images the anterior segment of the eye by a rotating Scheimpflug camera measurement. This rotating process supplies pictures in three dimensions. The center of the cornea is measured very precisely because of this rotational imaging process. The measurement process lasts less than two seconds, and minute eye movements are captured and corrected simultaneously. By measuring 25,000 true elevation points, precise representation, repeatability and analysis are guaranteed.
The Pentacam provides 3-dimensional chamber analysis of the complete anterior segment of the eye, corneal topography of both the front and the back of the cornea, thickness measurements across the entire diameter of cornea. It also can provide cataract analysis and clearly detect corneal disorders such as Keratoconus, where laser vision correction is sometimes not appropriate.