Isomorphic corneal topography: a clinical approach to 3-D representation of the corneal surface.
BACKGROUND
Newer methods of refractive surgery produce their effect by reshaping the corneal surface. It follows that topographic representations, used primarily to map refractive power, should now emphasize morphology and contour features.


METHODS
We introduce a procedure using commercially available instrumentation which provides isomorphic three-dimensional corneal topography. The representations may be displayed either as refractive power, as is conventionally done, or as the more surgically relevant contour configuration. These images contain data points that are continuous rather than stepped as in the familiar color-coded displays.


RESULTS
The technique proved easy to execute requiring no special software or mainframe computing. The corneal displays generated were freely rotatable and rescalable.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to producing clear and intuitive three-dimensional representations, the digital graphics environment allows manipulation unavailable in the conventional color-coded format; such representations should be particularly valuable for pre- and postoperative evaluation.
Young
J A
JA
Department of Ophthalmology, New York University, NY 10016.
Siegel
I M
IM
D003198:Computer Simulation; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods