What is the primary purpose of a pachymeter in ophthalmology?

A pachymeter is specifically designed to measure corneal thickness, which is crucial in various aspects of ophthalmology, particularly in managing and diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma and keratoconus. The measurement of corneal thickness can help determine the risk of developing glaucoma and assess the cornea's health before performing procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery.

When evaluating intraocular pressure, assessing visual acuity, or dilating the pupil, other instruments are utilized that cater to those respective functions. While these tasks are essential components of an eye examination, they do not define the role of the pachymeter, which is focused on providing accurate measurements of corneal tissue. This precision in measuring thickness is vital for understanding and managing a patient’s overall ocular health and treatment options.