Optivision, Inc.

What is Corneal Topography?
Corneal topography is the technique by which exact physical features and curvature of corneal surface are measured and graphically represented. Clinicians have long recognized the importance of the refractive qualities of the cornea. It is clear that the regularity of curvature of the cornea affects the eye’s ability to bend light and, therefore visual performance. The importance of accuracy and sensitivity in corneal detection The usefulness of corneal maps is directly related to their accuracy. Unless the data is accurate, a map is nothing but a colorful picture. Detection of reliable data is the most important aspect of any corneal topographer. Incorrect data will lead to the loss of valuable information and missed diagnosis and continued patient complaints but multiple return examination visits at the doctor’s expense. The more sensitive and accurate is the detection system, the more reliable the corneal information, and the better the patient care. Some corneal topography companies state that all of the detection systems are equivalent and that the major difference is in the software. This is a false statement. Detection systems vary widely, and this has been demonstrated by numerous studies involving different manufacturers’ systems. If a system cannot detect small corneal irregularities such as excimer central islands, refractive incisions, corneal warpage, or micro irregular astigmatism, then the ability to properly screen patients is impaired.
Two methods of corneal detection There are two different types of illuminated Placido rings and, therefore, two different methods of corneal data detection for a manufacturer to incorporate into the topographer. The cone of a particular system either consists of a small number of broad-band rings or larger number of fine, thinner rings. System designed with the thicker rings use the edge-detection method of data collection, whereas those incorporating the narrow rings use the peak detection method.	Edge versus peak detection Edge detection works by locating the transition between the dark and light areas of the image. If the image is well focused, the distinct edges area easily detected, and the method works. However, if the captured image is out of focus, the actual position of the data point is not easily discernable and often skewed. The broader rings are not sensitive to small detail, which can mask and smooth over small areas of pathology. The Optivision CornealMap EH-300 incorporates the peak detection system, which works by producing a spike representing the intensity of each illuminated ring. The computer software always locates the peak of each illumination spike and positions the data point precisely at that brightest point. Because of the increased number of rings, this newer configuration which highlights and detects discrete areas of pathology often missed by other systems, gathers more data and is more sensitive to small changes on the corneal surface.
Tangential, Sagittal and Gaussian Computations Three different algorithms are used to determine dioptric power of the cornea.	The tangential computation, also referred to as instantaneous rate of curvature, shows corneal curvature at a location, free of the optical axis, without the assumption that the location in question is on sphere. This best depicts the physical corneal shape and is very sensitive in allowing detection of subtle abnormalities in the corneal surface. The sagittal computation, also referred to as an axial solution, makes the crude assumption that the entire corneal optical surface has a single center of curvature, which corresponds with the primary map. This assumption is that each location is on a spherical surface. However, the cornea is an aspheric surface on which algorithms result in a flatter or steeper, smoother representation of the corneal surface, power, and its optical performance. The sagittal power is sensitive to the position of the optical axis. The Gaussian computation estimates the principal radii of curvature at each measurement point. Measurements on adjacent radials as well as those along the same radial contribute to the Gaussian computation. This gives a two-dimensional solution which can reproduce power values independent of the videokeratographic axis. The Gaussian computation is augmented by a cylinder vector field indicating the magnitude and direction of cylinder at each data point on the plot.
Difference between relative and absolute scales When analyzing color topographic maps, it is very important to be aware of whether the scale is relative or absolute. A relative scale is patient-specific and has its end points defined by the particular map being examined. The highest values receive red and orange or hot colors, while the lowest values receive blue and green or cold colors. The colors enhance the steep and flat areas, resulting in a better contrast. The example plots show the same corneal surface displayed using the relative and absolute scales with varying step ranges. Note central steep area and the peripheral flattening demonstrating an aspheric shape of the cornea.	An absolute scale takes a predetermined centerpoint, ie, 45D, and evenly distributes the colors across the scale. As a result, an average cornea with little variation will not display wide range of colors. The recommended scale to use when comparing two images to demonstrate repeatability is the absolute ½ or one diopter scales. Using smaller dioptric steps will exaggerate the differences between the images. Larger steps will cause important information to be smoothed over.