[Clinical significance of modern methods of corneal assessment]

The article observes the application experience of modern methods of corneal refraction and structure evaluation. Comprehension of computer-assisted videokeratography is high enough to diagnose corneal astigmatism, keratoconus, early-stage corneal dystrophies, and corneal topography changes resulting from a variety of factors. Scanning projecting keratography provides information on both anterior and posterior corneal topography and elevation, as well as corneal thickness in each point of central area. Aberrometry can be used for estimation of the impact of different factors on corneal optical properties and assess the possibility for correction of resultant disturbances. Confocal microscopy allows to evaluate morphological changes in keratoconus and corneal dystrophies and also diagnose acanthamoeba keratitis. Optical coherence tomography provides the possibility of whole cornea assessment, however, with much less magnification in comparison to confocal microscopy. Improved tearscopy with computed analysis of interference digital images ("Lacrima" software) enables evaluation of lipid layer thickness and structure in normal and impaired tear film (like in dry eye syndrome), as well as the influence of different factors and therapeutic measures. Topographical pachymetry data is the most valuable for diagnostics and monitoring of keratoconus.