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Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Pachymetry

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P

Description

"Pachymetry" test measures the thickness of your cornea to assess risk factors related to glaucoma or eye surgery. Doctors use either ultrasound or optical tools to take these quick, painless measurements. A thinner cornea may indicate higher glaucoma risk, while a thicker one can affect pressure readings. This test is often recommended before LASIK or in cases of unexplained vision changes. Results help determine treatment options and guide long-term monitoring of corneal and intraocular health.

"Pachymetry" test measures the thickness of your cornea to assess risk factors related to glaucoma or eye surgery. Doctors use either ultrasound or optical tools to take these quick, painless measurements. A thinner cornea may indicate higher glaucoma risk, while a thicker one can affect pressure readings. This test is often recommended before LASIK or in cases of unexplained vision changes. Results help determine treatment options and guide long-term monitoring of corneal and intraocular health.

Category

Eye Function

Procedure

Non-Invasive

Sample Type

No biological sample is needed for this test.

Units

Micrometers

Procedure Category

Measure

Test Group

Ophthalmological System Group

Test Group Description

Ophthalmological System Group: Tests within this group focus on evaluating the health and function of the eyes and visual system. These assessments provide insights into visual acuity, eye anatomy, and ocular health.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 540.00–555.00 µm

  • SI Unit: 540.00–555.00 µm

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 540.00–550.00 µm

  • SI Unit: 540.00–550.00 µm

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Abnormal results may indicate:


  • Behçet's disease (Autoimmune inflammation)

  • Corneal bacterial infection

  • Corneal dystrophies (Inherited corneal disorders)

  • Corneal edema (Swelling of the cornea)

  • Corneal fungal infections

  • Corneal hypoxia (Low oxygen levels in the cornea)

  • Corneal scarring

  • ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Corneal Thickness Assessment: Evaluates corneal health by measuring thickness to detect abnormalities like thinning or thickening.

  • Glaucoma Evaluation: Assesses corneal thickness to adjust intraocular pressure measurements and aid in glaucoma diagnosis and management.

  • Refractive Surgery Screening: Ensures sufficient corneal thickness for procedures like LASIK to reduce postoperative risks.

  • Corneal Disease Management: Monitors thickness in conditions like keratoconus and corneal edema, guiding treatment decisions.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Doughty MJ, Zaman ML. Human corneal thickness and its impact on intraocular pressure measures: a review and meta-analysis approach. Surv Ophthalmol. 2000;44(5):367-408.

[2] Gordon MO, Beiser JA, Brandt JD, et al. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: baseline factors that predict the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002;120(6):714-720.

[3] Medeiros FA, Sample PA, Weinreb RN. Corneal thickness measurements and progression of visual field loss in patients with glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003;136(5):805-813.

[4] Hoffmann EM, Lamparter J, Mirshahi A, et al. Distribution of central corneal thickness and its association with ocular parameters in a large central European cohort: the Gutenberg Health Study. PLoS One. 2013;8(8):e66158.

[5] Kohlhaas M, Boehm AG, Spoerl E, et al. Effect of central corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and axial length on applanation tonometry. Arch Ophthalmol. 2006;124(4):471-476.

[6] Shah S, Laiquzzaman M, Bhojwani R, Mantry S, Cunliffe I. Assessment of the diurnal variation in central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure for patients with suspected glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2000;107(6):1191-1193.

[7] Gazzard G, Foster PJ, Devereux JG, et al. Central corneal thickness and its relationship to intraocular pressure in subjects with and without glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2004;111(6):1009-1016.

[8] Ehlers N, Bramsen T, Sperling S. Applanation tonometry and central corneal thickness. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh). 1975;53(1):34-43.

[9] Aghaian E, Choe JE, Lin S, Stamper RL. Central corneal thickness of Caucasians, Chinese, Hispanics, Filipinos, African Americans, and Japanese in a glaucoma clinic. Ophthalmology. 2004;111(12):2211-2219.

[10] Sullivan-Mee M, Halverson KD, Saito J, et al. Central corneal thickness and normal tension glaucoma: a case-control study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006;142(1):93-96.

[11] Kamiya K, Shimizu K, Matsumura K, Iijima K. Corneal thickness and volume measurements using swept-source optical coherence tomography in normal corneas. Cornea. 2013;32(8):1105-1109.

[12] Liu Z, Huang AJ. The role of pachymetry in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. J Glaucoma. 2002;11(5):453-457.

[13] Wu H, Wang C, Zhao Y, Wang D, Zhou Z. Factors associated with central corneal thickness in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2018;46(6):667-674.

[14] Brandt JD, Gordon MO, Gao F, et al. Adjusting intraocular pressure for central corneal thickness does not improve prediction models for primary open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2012;119(3):437-442.

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