Pachymetry

Pachymetry is an eye exam that does not generate pain and is very fast, it only takes a minute for professionals to perform it and allows the thickness of the cornea to be measured. This is done using equipment called a pachymeter, which can use different techniques to make a measurement of the cornea, but the most modern, precise and complete method is through tomography, since it scans the entire anterior surface of the eye, allowing a three-dimensional measurement of the extent of the cornea and the thickness of all its points, it also identifies the thinnest location and corneal volume.

Corneal thickness is shown in a color scheme with the numerical value given in microns at all points on the cornea. Pachymetry is useful in different situations, for example in a patient with glaucoma, to detect the symptoms of keratoconus and other eye diseases. In addition, it provides a clear measurement for eye surgeons or ophthalmology professionals to decide on the ideal treatment according to the condition of each person.

A Pachymeter is a medical device used to measure the thickness of the cornea of ​​the eye. It is used to perform corneal pachymetry before LASIK surgery, for the detection of keratoconus, LRI surgery and is useful in the screening of patients suspected of developing glaucoma among other uses

What is the principle of Pachymetry?

SLIT-SCANNING PACHYMETRY  elevation based system which uses scanning slit technology capable of assessment of multiple functions thickness profile, anterior and posterior topography, elevation, and anterior chamber depth  Principle It measures anterior and posterior corneal elevations by comparing it to a best fit.

How is pachymetry performed?

 The test is simple to perform, is non-abrasive and does not cause any discomfort to the patient. Among the most common recommendations that medical professionals indicate to patients is to stop wearing contact lenses 15 days before the exam if they are hard lenses and 5 or 8 days if they are white. Currently, there are three types of pachymetry according to the exploration needs required by the ophthalmologist.

• Optical patrimetry: this has no contact and is to identify the difference between light reflections.
• Ultrasonic pachymetry: allows greater accuracy in the results. It measures the corneal thickness using ultrasound at each point where the probe is placed.
• Coherence laser pachymetry (OCT): it is non-contact and provides high accuracy. In this case, pachymetry is integrated into the optimal coherence tomography, which allows the medical professional to determine various aspects such as visualizing the cornea and its thickness.