Name of the Procedure:

Ophthalmic Ultrasound, Diagnostic; Corneal Pachymetry, Unilateral or Bilateral (Determination of Corneal Thickness)

Summary

Corneal pachymetry is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the thickness of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It involves using an ultrasound device to get an accurate measurement, which is crucial for various eye conditions and surgeries.

Purpose

The procedure addresses conditions related to corneal thickness, such as glaucoma and keratoconus. It helps in assessing the risk for glaucoma, determining eligibility for refractive surgery (like LASIK), and monitoring corneal diseases. The main goal is to obtain precise corneal thickness measurements to guide treatment decisions.

Indications

• Suspected or diagnosed glaucoma
• Eligibility evaluation for refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK)
• Diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus
• Corneal edema or dystrophies
• Post-operative assessment following corneal surgeries

Preparation

• No specific preparation like fasting.
• Remove contact lenses before the procedure.
• Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking.
• Possibly undergo a comprehensive eye examination before pachymetry.

Procedure Description

1. You will be seated comfortably, and an ultrasound device, called a pachymeter, will be gently placed against the front part of your eye.
2. Multiple measurements from different points of the cornea will be taken to ensure accuracy.
3. The procedure is quick and non-invasive, usually lasting only a few minutes.
4. No anesthesia or sedation is required as the process is painless.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 5-10 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a specialized eye clinic or ophthalmologist’s office.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or trained eye care professional

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Rare cases of slight discomfort or irritation.
• Very low risk of infection.

Benefits

• Provides accurate corneal thickness measurements.
• Essential for precise glaucoma risk assessment.
• Helps determine eligibility and safety for refractive surgery.
• Aids in diagnosing and monitoring corneal diseases.

Recovery

• No recovery time needed.
• You can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments depend on the underlying condition.

Alternatives

• Optical pachymetry using optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses light waves instead of ultrasound.
  • Pros: Non-contact, no risk of infection.
  • Cons: May be less available, more expensive.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, you might feel a light touch on your eye but it should not be painful.
• Post-procedure, there should be no discomfort, and you can return to your daily routine immediately.