Corneal Pachymetry

Sanford G. Feldman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Ellie E. Samadani, M.D.
Patricia S. Bainter, M.D.

"The difference is the time we spend with each patient..."

(858) 273-0200

Corneal Pachymetry A painless test of corneal thickness can help to diagnose glaucoma
As part of our evaluation for glaucoma at One-to-One EyeCare, we use a device called the Alcon OcuScan RXP to obtain a painless computerized measurement of the thickness of the cornea. The cornea is the front window of the eye.

Why does corneal thickness matter?
Research has shown that eyes with thinner corneas may be more vulnerable to nerve damage and loss of vision when pressure in the eye is too high. Eyes with thicker corneas may be more resistant to damage from high eye pressure. Additionally, the accuracy of eye pressure measurements can be influenced by corneal thickness. A very thick cornea may cause falsely high eye pressure readings. A very thin cornea may cause falsely low eye pressure readings.

Earlier detection allows earlier treatment
Glaucoma is a condition in which decreased blood flow to the optic nerve, the large bundle of nerve fibers which carry vision signals from the eye to the brain. While the most common form of glaucoma has no symptoms, it can gradually cause a loss of side vision or “peripheral” vision. If not detected early and treated properly, the side vision loss can progress to total blindness. When caught early and treated, glaucoma need not cause any noticeable vision loss. In combination with other testing, corneal pachymetry can help us to determine whether or not you have glaucoma.

The test takes just a few seconds
Measuring corneal thickness is quick and easy. A numbing drop is placed in both eyes. A pen-sized probe is used to touch the surface of each eye. You’ll see the probe tip coming very close, but you won’t feel any sensation at all because the eyes are numb. The OcuScan RXP works just like SONAR that a submarine would use. The probe sends out harmless high frequency sound waves, or ultrasound. The Ocuscan calculates corneal thickness by measuring the time it takes for these sound waves to bounce off of the back side of the cornea and return to the probe.

Corneal Pachymetry also has applications beyond glaucoma
We also use the OcuScan RXP to evaluate whether patients are good candidates for LASIK laser vision correction surgery and to follow patients with diseases of the eye which cause corneal swelling or corneal thickening.

At One-to-One EyeCare, corneal pachymetry is another example
of the way we use advanced technology to meet your eye care needs.

One to One LASIK 3737 Moraga Ave Suite A-105 San Diego, CA 92117 PHONE (858) 273-0200 FAX (858) 273-0619

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