Pachymetry

Pachymetry measures the thickness of the cornea. Normal cornea thickness is 540 microns (½mm). 

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The cornea is like a camera and plays a key role in determining the quality of vision you have. It is the first transparent surface that light passes through on its way to the retina. Additionally, it provides a barrier against things getting into your eye and screens out some UV rays.

The cornea can be affected by various diseases and conditions. The common causes of these are infections, trauma, degenerative disorders, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, growths, ectasia (thinning), and allergies.

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Why do we do pachymetry?

It is taken for one of the following reasons:

  • People with thin corneas (<500 µm) are at a higher risk for having glaucoma. The mechanism for this is not entirely clear.

  • A thick cornea (>580 µm) gives higher Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) readings whereas thinner corneas (<505µm) give lower readings.  Calibrating pressure readings is critical in glaucoma management.

  • As part of the evaluation process in LASIK surgery

  • Keratoconus evaluation and management.