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Corneal thickness measurement: Pachymetry, a practitioner’s guide

Corneal thickness measurement: Pachymetry, a practitioner’s guide

Corneal thickness is particularly important as it affects the measurement of IOP, with thin corneas resulting in underestimated IOP readings, and thick corneas with overestimates. Corneal thickness is also an independent risk factor for the development of glaucoma. Central corneal thickness can be easily measured using a handheld ultrasound pachymeter. This article provides an overview of the methods of corneal pachymetry and the interpretation of the results.


What you will learn:

  • Optometrists will have an enhanced understanding of how to conduct safe and accurate measurement of corneal centre thickness by ultrasound pachymetry
  • Optometrists will have an enhanced understanding of how to interpret the results of pachymetry for clinical decision-making in patients with or at risk of glaucoma.
  • Optometrists will have an evidence based understanding of corneal centre thickness ranges associated with risks and management of ocular hypertension and glaucoma