Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What is a common use for a pachymeter in ophthalmology?

1. To measure eye pressure

2. To measure corneal thickness

3. To assess visual acuity

4. To measure lens curvature

The correct answer is: To measure corneal thickness

A pachymeter is specifically designed to measure the thickness of the cornea. This information is crucial for various assessments, including the evaluation of conditions such as glaucoma, where corneal thickness can influence intraocular pressure readings and the risk of optic nerve damage. Understanding corneal thickness is also essential in pre-operative assessments for refractive surgeries and managing conditions like keratoconus. While each of the other options pertains to important aspects of ophthalmic care and diagnostics, they do not represent the primary function of a pachymeter. For example, measuring eye pressure typically involves tonometry, assessing visual acuity uses an eye chart and visual testing methods, and measuring lens curvature is done using instruments such as a keratometer. Thus, B stands out as the accurate application of a pachymeter in the field of ophthalmology.