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Definition

PAM stands for "potential acuity meter." It is an instrument used to examine the eyes. Your health care provider can use this tool to predict how well you may see after eye surgery. People who have reduced vision due to cataracts may also have other reasons for poor vision. The PAM will help predict what the vision will be after the cataracts are removed. If cataracts are severe, the PAM may not give useful information.

Alternative Names

Potential acuity meter

Gallery

Normal vision
Normal vision occurs when light is focused directly on the retina rather than in front or behind it.

References

Stein HA, Stein RM, Melvin I, Freeman MI. Preliminary examination. In: Stein HA, Stein RM, Melvin I, Freeman MI, eds. The Ophthalmic Assistant. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 8.

Lundström M. Outcomes of cataract surgery. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 5.18.

Last reviewed November 4, 2021 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties

Clinical Trials: PAM

UF Health research scientists make medicine better every day. They discover new ways to help people by running clinical trials. When you join a clinical trial, you can get advanced medical care. Sometimes years before it's available everywhere. You can also help make medicine better for everyone else. If you'd like to learn more about clinical trials, visit our clinical trials page. Or click one of the links below:

7089 PAL-LIVER

This is a comparative effectiveness study of two pragmatic models aiming to introduce palliative care for end stage liver disease patients. The 2 comparators are: Model 1: Consultative Palliative Care (i.e. direct access to Palliative Care…

Investigator
Roniel Cabrera
Status
Accepting Candidates
Ages
18 Years - 120 Years
Sexes
All
TREO PAS-IP-0021-20

The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term performance of the TREO Abdominal Stent-Graft as a treatment for patients with Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms or Aorto-iliac Aneurysms.

Investigator
Michol A Cooper
Status
Accepting Candidates
Ages
18 Years - N/A
Sexes
All
View all pam studies

News and Patient Stories: PAM

More PAM stories

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