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[Clinical and experimental results with a new fully automatic self-tonometer]
J Draeger1, R Schwartz, C Deutsch
1Universitäts-Augenklinik, Hamburg, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
Fortschritte Der Ophthalmologie : Zeitschrift Der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Patients successfully performed self-tonometry using a new automatic tonometer, demonstrating good accuracy for glaucoma management. Further studies will optimize the device for future clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is crucial for glaucoma management.
- Accurate and accessible IOP measurement methods are needed for patient self-monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a new automatic tonometer for patient self-tonometry.
- To compare self-tonometry measurements with standard applanation tonometry.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involved 25 patients performing self-tonometry with a new automatic tonometer.
- Measurements were repeated, and compared against a physician-performed hand applanation tonometer (HAT).
- The tonometer was also tested at higher pressures using a dynamometer on healthy eyes.
Main Results:
- Patient self-measurements showed high correlation and low standard deviation (r=0.97, SD=1.66 mmHg; r=0.96, SD=1.47 mmHg).
- Comparison with HAT confirmed accuracy (r=0.97, s=1.71 mmHg; r=0.96, s=1.49 mmHg).
- Dynamometer tests yielded slightly higher variability (r=0.97, s=2.69 mmHg).
Conclusions:
- The new automatic tonometer is accurate and reliable for patient self-tonometry.
- Self-tonometry shows promise for future glaucoma management and remote patient monitoring.
- Further optimization and studies, including microgravity applications, are planned.