Apparatus for topographical analysis of cornea

摘要

Subject matter of this invention is an apparatus to enable the tridimensional shape of a partially reflecting anatomical surface of a human body, specifically the cornea, to be spatially located. The apparatus, which is based upon a computer and a TV camera, comprises a body (11) made of a transparent material (PERSPEX®) wherein a conical hole has been drilled. Circular, frusto-conical, alternatively transparent and opaque, retro-illuminated, reference lines are provided in the conical surface of the hole. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a photoelectrical couple (17, 18) (an emitter: IRED or LED; and a sensor: photodiode or phototransistor) arranged at diametrically opposed points of the external base of the cone, such that when the cone is moved close to the eye to be analyzed, the apex of the eye intercepts the sight line between the emitter and the sensor at a pre-established distance from the cone. The light patterns reflected from the reference sight lines upon the cornea, as detected from the TV camera arranged near the apex of the cone and upon being suitably processed by said computer, enable the shape of the cornea itself as well as the curvature of all points thereof within a relatively large area to be analyzed. (FIG. 1).