The cornea is the outermost surface of the human optical system. The healthy cornea not only allows a clear pathway for images to focus in the eye but is also the first protective barrier of the eye.
The shape of the cornea contributes to the optical properties of the eye. Corneal topography is a computer generated image scan designed to capture the curvature images of the cornea. Topography can be obtained quickly and painlessly.
Corneal topography
Ideally the curvature of the cornea has to bend images so they perfectly focus within the eye. If the shape of the cornea is irregular, too steep or too flat then images are not clear. Glasses can help refocus the optical system.
Irregularly shaped cornea
LASIK Surgery to Reshape Cornea
Refocusing is also possible by reshaping the cornea. Reshaping the cornea can be accomplished with contact lenses whose firmness reshapes the cornea. Advanced technology reshaping of the cornea can be performed with an excimer laser in the form of LASIK or PRK (Laser Vision Correction).
Examples of Laser Vision Correction to reshape the cornea
Once irregularities of the cornea are reshaped clear focus can be restored.