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Pachmetry
Glaucoma patients and ophthalmologists have recently become aware of some exciting recent research concerning the relationship of eye pressure and glaucoma to the thickness of
the clear window of the eye called the cornea.
Measurement of cornea thickness, called pachymetry, is important when the diagnosis of glaucoma is made or considered by the ophthalmologist. It is also important when evaluating intraocular pressure control for patients receiving treatment. Research has shown that people with thin corneas may have much higher intraocular pressures than previously determined using the standard eye pressure measurement technique called applanation tonometry. Similarly, a thicker than normal cornea may mean that the eye pressure is actually much lower than determined by standard applanation tonometry.
Pachmetry is a one time per eye determination with a drop of anesthetic on the eye and takes only seconds. It is covered by Medicare and most insurance. If necessary, once Dr. Nepple knows your pachmetry reading (cornea thickness) a correction factor can be applied to more accurately determine your eye pressure as well as your risk for progressive glaucoma optic nerve damage.
Following pachymetry, the eye's intraocular pressure response to pressure treatment can be more accurately determined and monitored.
© Earl W. Nepple, M.D., 2004 - All Rights Reserved |
