What is a simple, painless test used to measure the thickness of the cornea?

Pachymetry is a straightforward and non-invasive test specifically designed to measure the thickness of the cornea. This measurement is important for various clinical conditions, particularly in the context of glaucoma management and preoperative evaluations for procedures such as LASIK. By assessing corneal thickness, ophthalmologists can make more informed decisions regarding the health and surgical options for a patient's eyes.

Tonometry, while also important in ophthalmology, is primarily used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) and does not provide direct information about corneal thickness. Refraction involves determining a person's prescription for glasses or contact lenses and focuses on measuring how light rays bend as they enter the eye. Corneal topography is a detailed mapping of the cornea's surface curvature but does not specifically measure thickness, which differentiates it from pachymetry. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why pachymetry is the preferred choice for measuring corneal thickness.