Pachymetry

Pachymetry is measuring the thickness of the cornea. Several different approaches are available for performing pachymetry, including ultrasound and optical methods. Pachymetry is considered medically necessary in the diagnosing of some eye diseases and conditions including glaucoma because the thickness of the cornea can affect your ophthalmologist's ability to accurately measure your intraocular pressure. A person considering LASIK surgery should receive pachymetry to determine whether the cornea has sufficient thickness for the procedure to be performed.

Medically Necessary Pachymetry

For insurance purposes, pachymetry is generally considered medically necessary if it is used in connection with:

Bullous keratopathy
Corneal edema
Corneal dystrophy and Fuch's corneal dystrophy
Corneal transplant
Abnormal endothelial function in persons considering cataract surgery
Glaucoma

If you have any of these conditions, pachymetry may be covered by your health insurance. Generally, insurers and doctors consider ultrasound and optical pachymetry to be equivalent.

Corneal Thickness and Glaucoma

The thickness of your cornea may significantly impact readings of your intraocular pressure. If you have thin corneas, your eye pressure will read artificially low, meaning that you can suffer elevated levels of intraocular pressure and nerve damage that are not detected by your eye doctor. Similarly, if you have a thicker cornea, you may register as having a higher intraocular pressure, leading your eye doctor to conclude that you have glaucoma and start you on a course of treatment when you actually have no risk.

Pachymetry and LASIK

Pachymetry should be done if you are considering LASIK to ensure that your corneas are thick enough so support the corneal flap. If you do not qualify for LASIK, you may be able to use one of the alternate laser vision correction procedures, including PRK, epi-LASIK, or LASEK.

To learn more about pachymetry or other eye tests, please schedule a consultation with a local ophthalmologist today.