Corneal mapping, also known as corneal topography, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to create a detailed map of the curvature and shape of the cornea, which is the transparent front surface of the eye.

The cornea is responsible for most of the eye’s focusing power. Any irregularities in the shape of the cornea can lead to distortions in vision. With a corneal topography scan, your eye doctor can identify irregularities or distortions in the cornea. 

What is corneal topography used for?  

Corneal topography is useful for planning eye surgery, monitoring and treating corneal conditions, and fitting contact lenses. Your eye doctor may recommend a corneal topography scan for several different reasons: 

• Contact lens fitting 
• Evaluation of astigmatism
• Evaluation of dry eye
• Pre-operative assessment for LASIK surgery 

What to expect when getting a corneal topography scan 

During the corneal mapping procedure, a special device called a corneal topographer is used to project a series of rings onto the cornea and measure their reflections using a computerized analysis.

The data obtained is then used to create a 3D map of the corneal surface, which helps to diagnose various eye conditions such as corneal irregularities, keratoconus, astigmatism, and other visual distortions.

Corneal mapping is a safe, quick, and painless procedure that provides valuable information about the shape and condition of the cornea, which is essential in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions.