Short answer
Corneal topography maps front-surface curvature — the colour rings you may have seen at the optician. It detects astigmatism axis and irregularity but is not sufficient alone for modern laser screening; tomography (Pentacam) adds thickness and posterior elevation.
What does this scan measure?
Placido-disc or Scheimpflug-based curvature maps show dioptric power across the cornea — toric IOL axis and contact lens fitting rely on these data.
What happens during the test
Non-contact — look at the device; a ring pattern reflects off the tear film to compute curvature.
Why it matters before surgery
- ✓Astigmatism characterisation — regular vs irregular patterns.
- •Toric IOL alignment reference — links to VERION or CALLISTO marking.
- •Complements tomography — together they screen keratoconus.
What it cannot tell you alone
Placido topography alone can miss early ectasia — always pair with Pentacam tomography before laser.
Procedures that use this platform
Technology serves the procedure — your surgeon assigns platform after scans, not before enquiry. These are the treatment pages where this device typically appears in your written plan.
Related conditions: Astigmatism, Keratoconus
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