Pachymetry
Pachymetry is a diagnostic method used to measure corneal thickness, which is essential for assessing the risk of glaucoma, preparing for laser vision correction, and diagnosing corneal diseases.
When is pachymetry required?
- Suspected glaucoma and monitoring of intraocular pressure.
- Diagnosis of keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, and inflammatory corneal diseases.
- Preoperative assessment before laser vision correction (LASIK, PRK).
- Evaluation of corneal condition after trauma, surgery, or corneal transplantation.
- Monitoring corneal healing processes after surgical interventions.
How is the examination performed?
- Topical anesthetic eye drops are instilled if a contact method is used.
- Corneal thickness is measured using an optical or ultrasound pachymeter.
- The results are analyzed by the ophthalmologist to identify possible abnormalities.
Types of pachymetry
- Optical pachymetry. A non-contact method based on light wave reflection.
- Ultrasound pachymetry. A highly accurate contact method requiring direct contact with the corneal surface.
Which conditions can be detected using pachymetry?
- Glaucoma (corneal thickness affects the accuracy of intraocular pressure measurements).
- Keratoconus and degenerative corneal changes.
- Corneal scars, edema, and inflammatory processes.
- Postoperative corneal abnormalities.
Advantages of pachymetry in Belarus
- Painless and safe diagnostic procedure.
- High measurement accuracy.
- Rapid examination (typically takes 5–10 minutes).
- No special patient preparation required.
In Belarus, pachymetry is performed in modern ophthalmology centers equipped with high-precision diagnostic equipment. This method allows accurate determination of corneal thickness, which is particularly important in glaucoma management and prior to laser vision correction.
This text has been translated using machine translation technology (DeepL API) and may contain inaccuracies.
