topography

Top of the Charts

A discussion on the numerous benefits of corneal topography.

April Jasper , O.D., F.A.A.O.

The accuracy provided by many of today’s corneal topographers is unlike any technology we have seen in the past, which is making them a necessity in optometric practices. (See “Corneal Topographer Manufacturers,” below.)

Most corneal topographers can produce corneal maps to monitor changes in refraction as well as maps to compare the right and left eye and compare changes to each eye through time. More advanced topographers provide a combination of auto-refraction, corneal mapping, keratometry and wavefront aberrometry.

Here are some of the benefits of installing a corneal topographer in your practice:

Patient satisfaction

Our patients are savvy consumers, and they expect faster service with accurate results. They expect us to be their “problem solvers.” A corneal topographer definitely adds to our ability to be just that.

A corneal topgrapher does this by helping to reduce chair time and increase efficiency. Reduced chair time to the patient means a more efficient and speedy exam, which produces patient loyalty.

Specialty contact lens sales

Topography can enhance your ability to fit specialty contact lenses.

Many topographers have software that can be added to design custom GP contact lenses for patients who have high corneal astigmatism as well as conditions such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration.

Corneal reshaping therapy

With so much attention right now on the current and ongoing research regarding myopia control, many optometrists are adding corneal reshaping therapy to their practices. A corneal topographer is a necessity to any practice providing corneal reshaping therapy. The maps generated enable you, the practitioner, to design the appropriate starting lenses for corneal reshaping, and then comparison maps are used to monitor the cornea for treatment effectiveness.

Patient education

One hidden benefit of a corneal topographer is the review software that can be added to exam room computers, which enhances patient education regarding contact lens wear and the need for compliance. Review software can also allow you to pick from any data point measured to conduct further analysis to demonstrate disease findings as well as optical aberrations.

The perceived value of your eye exam to your patient skyrockets with the demonstration and education of their specific condition, and treatment plans are much better understood and adhered to as a result.

Bottom line

Adding a corneal topographer will help you generate income and increase patient loyalty for your practice. OM

DR. JASPER IS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. E-MAIL HER AT DRJASPER@AESWPB.COM, OR SEND COMMENTS TO OPTOMETRICMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM.