Oculus Keratograph

The Oculus Keratograph is a revolutionary diagnostic tool that provides a detailed map of your eye’s surface. At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we use this advanced technology to accurately diagnose and manage conditions like Dry Eye Syndrome. This non-invasive scan gives our specialists a comprehensive view of your tear film health.

What is a Oculus Keratograph?

The Oculus Keratograph 5M is a multi-functional topographer that goes beyond simple corneal mapping. It uses a high-resolution color camera and advanced software to perform a detailed analysis of your tear film. By projecting a series of light rings (Placido rings) onto your cornea, the device captures thousands of data points to create a precise, color-coded map, evaluating everything from corneal shape to the quality and stability of your tears.

Why is this test performed?

To accurately diagnose and determine the type of Dry Eye Syndrome by analyzing tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, and meibomian gland health.

For specialized contact lens fitting, ensuring the lens perfectly conforms to the unique shape of your cornea for optimal comfort and vision.

As a crucial pre-operative assessment before procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery to ensure the ocular surface is healthy for the best surgical outcomes.

To monitor the effectiveness of dry eye treatments over time by providing objective, measurable data.

How to Prepare for Your Oculus Keratograph

Preparing for your Oculus Keratograph scan is simple and requires minimal effort. To ensure the most accurate results, which reflect the natural state of your tear film, please follow these guidelines:

Avoid wearing soft contact lenses for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

If you wear hard (RGP) contact lenses, please consult our staff for specific instructions, as you may need to stop wearing them for a longer period.

Do not use any non-prescribed eye drops or artificial tears on the day of the test.

The Procedure: What to Expect Step-by-Step

1. You will be seated comfortably and asked to place your chin on a chin rest and your forehead against a bar to keep your head still.

2. The technician will ask you to focus on a specific target inside the machine to ensure proper alignment.

3. You will be instructed to blink normally and then hold your eyes open for a few seconds while the device painlessly and without any contact, captures images of your eye’s surface.

4. The entire process is quick, non-contact, and typically takes only a few minutes to complete for both eyes.

Understanding Your Results

The Oculus Keratograph generates a series of detailed reports and color-coded maps of your cornea and tear film. One key measurement is the Non-Invasive Tear Film Break-Up Time (NIKBUT), which shows how quickly your tears evaporate; a shorter time often indicates evaporative dry eye. Other reports may visualize the health of your meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of your tears, and the height of the tear meniscus (the reservoir of tears) along your lower eyelid.

Your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals will carefully review these comprehensive findings with you. They will explain what the images and data mean for your specific condition, whether it’s confirming a dry eye diagnosis, planning for surgery, or fitting specialty contact lenses. This precise information allows us to create a truly personalized and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions