Blepharo-tensiometer: new eyelid pressure measurement system using tactile pressure sensor

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Eyelid pressure measurement is crucial for diagnosing and managing ocular surface conditions.
• Existing methods for measuring eyelid pressure may have limitations in accuracy or ease of use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel eyelid pressure measurement system, the blepharo-tensiometer, which utilizes a tactile pressure sensor.
• To assess the reliability and repeatability of the blepharo-tensiometer in measuring eyelid pressure.

Main Methods:

• A tactile pressure sensor (10 mm diameter, 0.4 mm thick) covered with silicon rubber was placed between a soft contact lens and the eyelid.
• Eyelid pressure was measured on the ocular surface in 34 normal volunteers.
• Reliability was assessed by repeated measurements over three days in 12 volunteers.

Main Results:

• The blepharo-tensiometer demonstrated good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.663–0.925).
• Mean eyelid pressures were 16.95±6.08 mm Hg (upper lid) and 16.11±7.27 mm Hg (lower lid).
• Eyelid pressure showed a significant negative correlation with age (P<0.0001 for upper, P=0.000432 for lower lid).

Conclusions:

• The developed blepharo-tensiometer provides repeatable eyelid pressure measurements.
• This system is suitable for evaluating eyelid pressure on the ocular surface in both healthy and diseased eyes.