Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What does a warm color (red, orange) indicate in corneal topography?

1. Flatter curvature

2. Probable disease

3. More curvature

4. Normal curvature

The correct answer is: More curvature

In corneal topography, warm colors such as red and orange typically indicate areas of greater curvature on the cornea. This is in contrast to cooler colors like blue and green, which represent flatter areas. The warm color gradients on a topographical map help practitioners visualize the shape and contour of the cornea, where a more pronounced curvature is represented by warmer tones. Understanding this color coding is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as keratoconus or other corneal abnormalities where steepening of the cornea might occur. Recognizing that warm colors signify more curvature allows ophthalmic technologists to interpret topography maps effectively and contribute to patient evaluations and treatment plans.