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
Images
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.
Review Date 11/4/2021
Updated 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.
