Tangential maps give better information about corneal shape than Axial (Sagittal) maps, especially in the area of the peripheral cornea. For this reason, the First Choice Lens Calculation will not work well with Axial maps. Below is an example of a Tangential map for a normal eye.
Most machines use a drop-down box from which you can choose the ‘Tangential’ option (sometimes known as ‘Instantaneous’). It is best if you use curvature, in mm, rather than power in Dioptres.
These are numerical values within the calculation depending on the Central Sim K Readings of the cornea.
Use CF of 1.30 if both Central Sim Ks are under 7.00.
Use CF of 0.80 if one or both Central Sim Ks are equal to or over 7.00.
Topography maps have the option to choose the steps between colors. Maps with fixed steps, usually 1.50DS apart, are
called ‘Absolute’ and are used so that maps taken from different patients can be compared, like for like. Normalized
maps distribute the colors evenly across all curvatures for any given cornea. For an irregular cornea, this will generally
give much better detail than an Absolute map and makes it easier to estimate the curvature at any given point.
Finally, set the map to show polar grid, so that you can identify the 5mm ring, and ensure it shows numerical values.
• Tangential Curvature map in mm
• Normalized
• Polar grid
• Numerical values
For these cases, we use the Flat Central Sim K and the Steepest K Reading on the 5mm ring.
| Base curve | = | Average (Flat Central Sim K + Steep 5mm ring Sim K) 2 | +CF |
| Base curve | = | Average (Ave of Sim K + Ave K on 5mm ring) 2 | +CF |
Central Sim Ks 6.99/6.43 use Flat Sim K 6.99
Take Steep Sim K on 5mm ring = 7.80
Average = 6.99+7.80/2 = 7.40
Add 1.30 (both Central Sim Ks under 7.00)
Base Curve = 8.70
Actual Base Curve worn by patient 8.60
• Cornea is reasonably symmetrical around the central point on the 7mm rings.
• The steepest area is mainly in the centre.
Central Sim Ks 7.57/6.74
Average = 7.16
On 5mm ring. Flattest Sim K = 9.90. Steepest Sim K = 6.20
Average = 8.05
Average of these two values = (7.16 + 8.05) /2 = 7.61
Add 0.80 (One of Central Ks is 7.00 or over)
Base Curve = 8.41
Actual Base Curve worn by patient 8.40
• Cornea is not symmetrical around the central point on the 7mm rings.
• Although there is a central steep area, there is also a significant steeper
area between the 5mm and 7mm rings inferiorly.
To get an OVERVIEW of fitting all types of irregular corneas with the KeraSoft family of lenses, visit our online video training below. Or, if you just want to get started fitting KeraSoft Thin straight away with our new, improved fitting method, click GET STARTED.
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