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Corneal Imaging and Testing

A Sample of the Kinds of Testing Done by our Cornea and External Disease Service Includes:

Corneal Topography

Capture and analysis of the corneal shape is available through the Corneal Service. These images can be used for preoperative screening of cataract, corneal and refractive surgery patients and for postoperative analysis of astigmatism. Analysis can determine early keratoconus, pellucid degeneration, irregular astigmatism, and other unusual corneal topographies. The images can also be used to assist in difficult contact lens fittings as well as customizing laser vision correction.

Confocal Microscopy

Tandem Scanning Confocal Microscopy (TSCM) is available through the Corneal Service. TSCM is useful for detecting and managing Keratitis (infections and inflammations of the cornea), especially those caused by acanthamoeba, filamentous fungi, and infectious crystalline keratopathy. TSCM provides a noninvasive method of following resolution of these infections and separating medication side effects from persistent or worsening infections. TSCM is also useful in analyzing corneal dystrophies, tear film abnormalities and nonspecific keratitis.

Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba


Crystalline keratopathy

Crystalline Keratopathy


Ocular evaporation, infrared meibography and tear flow analysis.

Multiple methods of analyzing the ocular surface and tear film for abnormalities are available through the Corneal Service. Ocular evaporation is useful in defining the cause for symptoms of dry eye. Infrared meibography provides detailed analysis of the meibomian gland architecture without the delay of infrared photography. Meibomian glands may be abnormal in occlusive meibomitis, ocular rosacea or seborrhic blepharitis. Tear flow analysis is a specific measure of tear volume and manufacture without the stimulation of test strips (Shirmer's test). All of these methods are used to define the causes of dry eyes and blepharitis to improve both detection and treatment.

Normal meibomian glands

Infrared Meibography - Normal Meibomian Glands


Abnormal and Missing Meibomian Glands

Abnormal and Missing Meibomian Glands