
At San Marcos Vision Center, we’re committed to investing in the most innovative diagnostic technology available. One of our most powerful instruments is the Pentacam® AXL Wave, a highly advanced corneal and ocular measurement system that gives our office tools other offices do not have access to.
This advanced system helps our doctors detect and manage complex eye conditions such as keratoconus and other corneal diseases, while also improving specialty contact lens fitting and myopia management tracking.
The Pentacam AXL Wave is the most comprehensive topography device available that uses Scheimpflug tomography to capture a full 3D image of the front and back surface of the cornea. Unlike traditional topographers that only measure front surface corneal curvature, the Pentacam provides detailed cross-sectional images—allowing our doctors to assess corneal thickness, curvature, and clarity with incredible detail.
In addition to front and back surface corneal imaging, it also measures axial length, wavefront aberrations, and lens clarity, as well as utilizes powerful reporting features to detect eye disease and track disease progression.
The Pentacam AXL Wave is instrumental in identifying and tracking keratoconus, a progressive condition where the cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped, distorting vision. Keratoconus irregularity usually shows up in kids, and typically starts on the back surface of the cornea. Because the AXL Wave can scan both the front and the back surface of the cornea, our doctors can detect keratoconus and other structural abnormalities much earlier than with traditional topography systems used in most offices.

Early detection is critical, as keratoconus can often be managed more effectively before vision loss occurs. Beyond keratoconus, the Pentacam helps our doctors evaluate and manage:
Corneal ectasia following refractive surgery
Fuchs’ dystrophy and other corneal dystrophies
Post-surgical irregularities
Dry eye–related corneal surface changes
Countless other conditions not listed
For patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, or high prescriptions, the Pentacam AXL Wave allows for a high level of customization that standard topography simply cannot match. Using detailed corneal and conjunctival elevation and curvature data, our doctors design scleral lenses, RGP lenses, and hybrid contact lenses tailored to each patient’s unique corneal shape. Can basically “map” the eye’s unique shape and design lenses to match, improving the fit and overall outcomes.
This technology ensures a more secure lens fit, improved vision quality, and enhanced comfort—especially for patients with complex corneal conditions that make standard lenses difficult to wear.
The Pentacam AXL Wave also plays an essential role in myopia management, especially in children and teens. By accurately measuring axial length (the distance from the front to the back of the eye), our doctors can monitor eye growth over time—the most important factor in tracking and slowing myopia progression. The AXL Wave utilizes advanced myopia reporting features that allow our team to closely track the efficacy of myopia management treatments and make timely data-driven adjustments if/when needed.
With the Pentacam’s detailed tracking capabilities, our doctors can measure and confirm the effectiveness of these treatments, providing parents with confidence that their child’s myopia is being managed effectively and professionally. Special reports are then shared with the parents, keeping everyone informed.

At San Marcos Vision Center, we believe that advanced technology leads to better outcomes. The Pentacam AXL Wave allows us to detect diseases earlier, create more precise lens fittings, and manage myopia with measurable results—all while providing our patients with the highest level of care and comfort.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today to experience how advanced imaging can make a difference in your vision and long-term eye health.