Pachymetry
What is Pachymetry?
Pachymetry is a quick and simple diagnostic examination used to measure the thickness of the cornea (dome-shaped window covering the front of the eye). It is most commonly used while diagnosing glaucoma, a condition where an increase in the internal eye pressure damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to blindness. Many tests are used to determine the intraocular pressure, but the different thicknesses of the cornea in each person may interfere with the results. Once the cornea is measured using the pachymetry test, the accurate intraocular pressure can be determined.
During the evaluation, your doctor will apply topical anaesthesia on your eyes and place a pachymetry probe perpendicular to the central cornea. The corneal thickness and intraocular pressure readings are analyzed to develop a treatment plan. The procedure is painless and takes only a minute to evaluate both the eyes.
