Cornea Pachymetry
Corneal pachymetry is a special examination in which the thickness of the cornea is measured. The value of pachymetry is particularly important and necessary both in the assessment of glaucoma and in the pre-operative examination of patients who are going to undergo refractive surgery.
Pachymetry and Glaucoma
Pachymetry is an essential examination in the diagnosis and monitoring of Glaucoma. The measurement of corneal thickness is considered an important examination today as the thickness can affect the pressure measurement, i.e. to overestimate the pressure in a thick cornea or underestimate it in a thin cornea. As a consequence, we may make an incorrect measurement of the eye pressure if we do not take into account the thickness of the cornea. The examination is performed with a special electronic ultrasound caliper and is completely painless, lasting only a few seconds. This examination is necessary to diagnose conditions such as Normal Pressure Glaucoma.
Pachymetry and Refractive Surgery
Pachymetry as well as corneal topography is the key point in refractive surgery The result of the pachymetry, combined with the degree of visual error to be corrected, is what will essentially determine the final choice of refractive technique to be followed during the operation.