What represents an effective way of measuring central corneal thickness in patients?

Goldmann applanation tonometry is primarily a method used for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) rather than central corneal thickness. It assesses corneal resistance to indentation; therefore, while it involves the cornea, it does not provide a direct measurement of corneal thickness.

Biomicroscopic assessment can be used to evaluate the cornea's overall health and to visualize its layers, but it is not a reliable technique for measuring central corneal thickness quantitatively.

Placido disc corneal topography serves primarily to map the curvature of the cornea, which helps diagnose irregularities and conditions like keratoconus. While it provides valuable information regarding corneal shape and surface, it does not measure thickness.

In contrast, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows for detailed cross-sectional imaging of the cornea, including accurate measurement of central corneal thickness. OCT uses light waves to take pictures of the cornea's layers, enabling precise assessments that are critical for diagnosing various corneal conditions and guiding therapeutic decisions. This makes it the effective choice for measuring central corneal thickness in patients.