What do you need to know?
- Pachymetria to badanie grubości rogówki, ważne w diagnostyce jaskry i ocenie stanu rogówki.
- Helps detect corneal cone, edema and other conditions affecting corneal thickness.
- The examination can be tactile (ultrasound) or non-contact (light) and takes a few minutes.
- Pachymetry is performed before ophthalmic surgery, such as laser vision correction.
Pachymetry is a specialised ophthalmic examination that allows precise measurement of corneal thickness. It is a key element in the diagnosis of many corneal conditions and the assessment of intraocular pressure values. A correct corneal thickness affects the results of other ophthalmological examinations, including measurement of intraocular pressure, and abnormal values may indicate conditions such as corneal cone, suspected corneal oedema or glaucoma. Pachymetry is also an important tool in qualifying patients for corneal surgery.
Pachymetry - a few words about the corneal thickness measurement test
Pachymetry is an ophthalmic test that allows an accurate measurement of corneal thickness, crucial in the diagnosis of glaucoma and the assessment of corneal endothelial function. It is non-invasive, quick and painless, and the results help further treatment and diagnosis.
Corneal thickness affects intraocular pressure values - patients with thinner corneas may underestimate the results and those with thicker corneas may overestimate the results, which can lead to a misdiagnosis of glaucoma. Therefore, pachymetry is often performed before tonometry to ensure accurate pressure measurement.
This examination is also recommended in cases of suspected glaucoma, corneal disorders and before eye surgery. It can also be helpful for people who wear their eyes for long periods of time contact lenses, as they affect the structure of the cornea. Pachymetry is also used when corneal oedema is suspected, which can result from various corneal conditions or from surgical procedures.
By precisely measuring the thickness of the cornea, the doctor can more accurately assess the patient's condition and adjust treatment and vision monitoring.1
Ocular pachymetry - what is corneal thickness measurement?
Pachymetria to precyzyjne badanie grubości rogówki, niezbędne w diagnostyce jaskry, kwalifikacji do zabiegów chirurgicznych oraz ocenie zdrowia rogówki. Pomaga określić wpływ grubości rogówki na wartość ciśnienia wewnątrzgałkowego, co jest kluczowe przy interpretacji wyników tonometrii.
There are two main types of pachymetry:
- Tactile pachymetry - is based on the use of an ultrasound probe that requires direct contact with the cornea. Anaesthetic drops are applied prior to the examination to minimise discomfort,
- Non-contact pachymetry - uses light waves, allowing results to be obtained without touching the surface of the eye. It is a more comfortable method for the patient.
The population average of normal corneal thickness is 540-550 μm, although this may vary depending on individual patient characteristics. Assessment of corneal thickness is particularly important in patients with suspected glaucoma, as a thinner cornea may underestimate intraocular pressure and a thicker cornea may overestimate measurements.
Wskazania do wykonania pachymetrii obejmują nie tylko diagnostykę schorzeń rogówki, ale także kwalifikację do procedur takich jak laserowa korekcja wzroku. It is also a useful examination for contact lens wearers who may affect the structure of the cornea. Pachymetry is a quick and effective examination to more accurately assess the condition of the cornea and determine further therapeutic management.
What does pachymetry eye examination involve?
Pachymetry The examination is performed in an ophthalmologist's office and requires no special preparation. If the patient wears contact lenses, it may be necessary to remove them a few hours before the examination. The examination itself takes only a few minutes and involves precise measurement of the thickness of the cornea at various points.
During tactile pachymetry, the doctor applies anaesthetic drops and then gently applies the tip of the pachymeter to the centre of the cornea. For non-contact pachymetry, the patient looks at a specific point and the device automatically measures the corneal thickness using optical technology.
Pachymetry can be performed in the diagnosis of many corneal conditions, such as corneal cone or suspected corneal oedema, as well as prior to corneal surgery.
Indications for corneal thickness examination
Pachymetry is recommended in the following cases:
- diagnosis of glaucoma - the test allows the influence of corneal thickness on the value of intraocular pressure to be assessed and the results of the measurement to be adjusted,
- podejrzenie stożka rogówki – w przypadku pacjentów z postępującym cienieniem rogówki pachymetria umożliwia śledzenie zmian strukturalnych rogówki,
- assessment of corneal endothelial function - the thickness of the cornea can indicate the state of the endothelium, which is responsible for the normal transparency of the cornea,
- suspected corneal oedema - pachymetry is helpful in the diagnosis of diseases leading to fluid accumulation in the cornea,
- qualification for surgical procedures - before laser vision correction, corneal transplantation or other ophthalmic procedures, an assessment of corneal thickness is necessary.
The pachymetry examination is quick, painless and provides important information about the condition of the cornea, helping the doctor to further plan treatment.
Ważne pytania i odpowiedzi
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Yes, pachymetry examination can not only assess corneal thickness, but also detect other corneal conditions such as corneal cone, corneal oedema or corneal endothelial dysfunction. It can also help in the assessment of post-surgical changes and qualification for corneal transplants.
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In most cases, pachymetry requires no special preparation. However, patients wearing contact lenses are advised to remove them a few hours before the examination, as they may affect corneal thickness measurements. The doctor will advise whether additional preparatory measures are necessary in your case.
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The examination is quick and painless. In the case of tactile pachymetry, the doctor applies anaesthetic drops and then gently applies the probe of the device to the centre of the cornea to take the measurement. In the non-contact method, the patient looks at a designated point and the camera records the results using light waves without touching the eye.
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No, pachymetry is a non-invasive test that does not require any disturbance to the tissues of the eye. The non-contact method is completely non-contact and in the case of tactile pachymetry, local anaesthesia is used so that the patient does not experience discomfort.
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Yes, pachymetry is one of the key tests before laser vision correction. By measuring the thickness of the cornea, it is possible to determine whether the patient is eligible for the procedure and to select the appropriate correction method. A cornea that is too thin may preclude the possibility of certain laser procedures, so an accurate assessment of its structure is essential.
