Scanning Laser Tomography of the Human Cornea

Computerized topography of the human cornea is an essential diagnostic tool for the assessmentof the normal and pathologic corneal surface. Current instruments are only capable of quantifying largearea abnormalities of the cornea outside the central optical zone, and are incapable of obtainingtopographic measurements of irregular corneas. With the emergence of corneal photoablation orreshaping techniques, quantitative measurements of the surface quality achieved during and aftersurgery will be necessary. A higher accuracy in determining the changes of corneal topography will berequired to assure quality eye care. The investigator proposes to develop a scanning laser tomographfor the human cornea based on confocal scanning laser microscopy. The superior depth resolution ofconfocal imaging will allow the investigator to gather information on topography, surface roughness andthickness of the cornea within one second. The topography of the central 3 mm of the cornea will beprecisely determined. This can be used, for example, to better predict the power of intraocular lensesto implant in an eye after radial keratotomy. Due to the high sensitivity of this technique, topographicmeasurements of corneas denuded of their epithelium might be possible allowing the use of thistechnique during laser surgery.