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Corneal pachymetry
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Pachymetry is a measurement of the corneal thickness. It is an indirect sign of the integrity of the corneal endothelium. The greatest thickness of the cornea is at the limbus (0.7-0.9 mm). Normally, the thickness of the cornea in the center is 0.49-0.56 mm; its increase of more than 0.6 mm may indicate endothelial pathology.
In humans, the average corneal thickness varies widely. In men, this indicator is 542 μm, in women - 551 μm. The average daily fluctuation in the corneal thickness indicator in humans is about 6 μm. The measurement data obtained during pachymetry depends on the research method by which pachymetry was performed. These methods are divided into two types: optical and ultrasonic. Optical pachymetry methods are contactless. They are used only with a transparent cornea. Ultrasonic pachymetry methods are divided into contact and immersion measurement methods.
Despite the variety of equipment and technology designed to measure corneal thickness, average values can vary widely. Normally, the average corneal thickness is 490 - 581 μm when using an optical pachymeter, and 519 - 536 μm when using the interferometric method. When using the Orbscan system, normal values for average corneal thickness will be within 531 - 602 μm.
It should be noted that the average corneal thickness should not depend on the principle used in such a research method as pachymetry.
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