Zernike polynomial fitting algorithm used in corneal topography

Abstract

This paper discusses a surface reconstruction algorithm that can be used for corneal togographers that uses measured reflection of a stimulus pattern. This algorithm uses Zernike polynomial fitting. Numerical tests using simulated surfaces show that the algorithm produces sub-micron accuracy in predicting the radius of curvature of conic surfaces. This accuracy is way below the instrumental accuracy of conventional placido disk based corneal topographers, which is usually greater than 1 micron.