What does pachymetry measure in the cornea?

Pachymetry is a diagnostic procedure specifically designed to measure the thickness of the cornea. This measurement is taken from the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium, to the innermost layer, the endothelium. The importance of this measurement is particularly evident in various eye conditions, such as glaucoma and keratoconus, where corneal thickness can provide critical information about disease progression, risk, and management.

Understanding the thickness of the cornea can influence treatment decisions, especially in procedures such as LASIK, where adequate corneal thickness is essential to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. By assessing the distance between the epithelial and endothelial layers, healthcare professionals can obtain vital insights into corneal health and overall intraocular pressure considerations.

In contrast to this, measuring corneal surface irregularities, curvature, or transparency would require different techniques, such as topography for surface mapping or combined assessments with other instruments. Thus, the original response highlighting the measurement of the distance between the epithelium and endothelium succinctly captures the purpose of pachymetry, clarifying its significance in ocular assessments.