Practical aspects of a corneal topography system.

We used the EyeSys Corneal Topography System to examine several issues relating to corneal topography systems and the interpretation of their results. Interferometry measurements of EyeSys calibration spheres indicated that they deviated from suggested values by 0.05 +/- 0.13 D (mean +/- 1 standard deviation). The EyeSys unit reliably determined the calibration spheres to be spherical with differences between the flat and steep axis of 0.10 +/- 0.09 D. The data for the 3 mm chord circle was the least reliable. The spherical equivalent values for the calibration spheres were constantly greater than the 0.25 D reproducibility suggested by the manufacturer. Furthermore, the precision of the outputted values (0.01 D) is beyond the capability of the instrument. This gives the impression that the topography unit cannot consistently reproduce measurements of the calibration objects or chrome plated steel spheres. Image centralization and focus were found to be critical in obtaining accurate results. A target off center by more than 0.25 mm resulted in unreliable data; increasing the focal distance by greater than 1 mm beyond the focal point resulted in a sharp decrease in accuracy (a decrease in the focal distance was even more critical). When measuring aspheric contact lenses, it was found that the keratometer and EyeSys unit provided a close approximation of the surface characteristics of the lenses. A realistic view of the limitations of the topography system being used is critical for proper interpretation of the data.