Pachymetry is useful for determining what aspect of the eye?

Pachymetry measures the thickness of the cornea, which is a critical factor in assessing various eye conditions. Understanding corneal thickness is vital for diagnosing and managing glaucoma, as thicker corneas can influence intraocular pressure measurements. Additionally, corneal thickness is essential for planning procedures such as LASIK, where the integrity of the cornea post-surgery is a concern. By measuring the corneal thickness, ophthalmic professionals can better evaluate the risk of corneal ectasia or other complications following refractive surgeries.

While overall eye health, refractive error, and visual acuity may be assessed through different methods, they do not provide specific information regarding the cornea's thickness, which pachymetry directly addresses. Thus, this makes it an essential tool in ophthalmic practice.