Corneal topography

As more clinicians utilize videokeratography, an understanding of corneal topography is assuming an increasing role in the practice of ophthalmology. During this past year investigators have critically examined the methods employed in the utility of these devices as well as the accuracy and reproducibility of the algorithms embodied in videokeratoscopes. Clinical studies of patients undergoing incisional surgery and excimer laser photoablation have yielded new information about the effects of surgery on corneal shape. This has resulted in new methods being devised to improve the ultimate refractive outcome of these procedures. Videokeratography screening prior to refractive surgery has received significant attention during this past year with articles focussing on screening for keratoconus, hypotheses about the effects of surgery on undetected keratoconus "suspects," and results of incisional surgery on patients with atypical inferior steepening. Additionally, a new software program devised to screen for keratoconus on an automated basis has been developed. Corneal pachymetric topography, a novel technique of corneal analysis, is described for the first time this year.