Advances in Pentacam for Diagnosis and Management of Keratoconus

Abstract

The pentacam system is a relatively new diagnostic imaging tool. It is a unique imaging system, which uses a rotating Scheimpflug camera, appears capable of accurately assessing both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, both pre- and postoperatively. The Pentacam enables the ophthalmologist to better diagnose ectatic disorders and to better quantify the normal postoperative cornea. The Pentacam performs a complete measurement of the anterior eye segment in less than 2 seconds. A precise analysis of the central cornea is carried out in the process. During measurement extraneous eye movement are detected with a second pupil camera and automatically corrected during the calculation process. The software analyses and evaluates all the data acquired. These data then provide the basis for a three-dimensional model of the complete anterior eye segment. As in the case of keratoconus or ectasia, the cone or apical protrusion will have the effect of steepening the Best Fit Sphere. This will actually minimize the elevation difference between the apex of the cone and the Best Fit Sphere. What the clinician would really like to see is how the corneal shape compares to the more normal portion of the individual's cornea, as this would