Current applications of the Corneal Modeling System.

The ability of the Corneal Modeling System to incorporate curvature and thickness data into a single mathematical construct of the cornea is an important achievement. As experience with this and similar instruments is gained, a number of important issues in corneal topography can be addressed. Snellen visual acuity, refraction, and keratometric changes do not fully reveal the effects of refractive surgical procedures. Detailed analysis of corneal topography will prove necessary to understanding the quality of vision resulting from surgery, as it can explain the disparity between uncorrected visual acuity and residual refractive error after radial keratotomy. Computer-assisted topographic measurement devices will undoubtedly play a particularly important role in the design and evaluation of current and future refractive procedures. Similarly, mild topographic changes (eg, subclinical keratoconus) can be detected that are not apparent with refraction, biomicroscopy, or keratometry. The author reviews his personal experience with one instrument.