Name of the Procedure:

Computerized Corneal Topography (CCT)
Common Names: Corneal Topography, Corneal Mapping

Summary

Computerized Corneal Topography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to create a detailed map of the surface curvature of the cornea, the outer structure of the eye. The cornea is vital for focusing vision, and this procedure helps in diagnosing and managing various eye conditions. It can be performed on one or both eyes (unilateral or bilateral) and includes an interpretation and report by an eye specialist.

Purpose

Computerized Corneal Topography is used to detect, monitor, and help treat conditions affecting the cornea. It is commonly used for:

• Diagnosing keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped
• Pre-operative and post-operative assessment for refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK)
• Fitting contact lenses
• Evaluating corneal damage or deformities

Indications

• Patients with distorted vision not corrected by glasses
• Unexplained visual disturbances
• Astigmatism or irregular astigmatism
• Pre-surgical evaluation for corneal and refractive surgery
• Monitoring progression of keratoconus or other corneal disorders

Preparation

• Avoid wearing contact lenses before the test (soft lenses: 1-2 weeks; hard lenses: 3-4 weeks).
• There are generally no dietary or medication restrictions prior to the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated and asked to place their chin on a chin rest and forehead against a bar on the corneal topography device.
2. The device sends light sources onto the cornea, capturing numerous high-resolution images from different angles.
3. These images are compiled by a computer to generate a detailed, multi-colored topographic map of the corneal surface.
4. The map is analyzed by an ophthalmologist, who interprets the results and provides a detailed report.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Setting

Computerized Corneal Topography is commonly performed in an outpatient clinic, ophthalmologist's office, or an eye care center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or Optometrist
• Ophthalmic Technician or Assistant

Risks and Complications

Since this is a non-invasive procedure, risks are minimal. Possible rare issues may include:

• Discomfort from keeping the head still
• Mild irritation from the light sources

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of corneal conditions
• Personalized treatment planning (e.g., contact lenses, surgery)
• Early detection of progressive corneal diseases
• Non-invasive and quick, with immediate results in many cases

Recovery

• No recovery time needed, patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Manual keratometry: Less detailed and typically used for simple measurements.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional images of the cornea.
• Wavefront Aberrometry: Evaluates visual aberrations in detail.

Patient Experience

• The procedure is painless, though the patient may need to stay still for several seconds at different points.
• Mild discomfort from the device touchpoints or lights is possible but usually transient.
• No anesthesia or sedation is required, and normal activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure.

This comprehensive overview covers the key aspects of Computerized Corneal Topography, providing essential information for patients and healthcare providers.