Spotlight ON TECHNOLOGY & TECHNIQUE

Taking Their Measure

By Leslie Goldberg, Associate Editor

An accurate and patient-friendly tonometer.

The Icare tonometer (Icare Finland Oy) is based on a new measuring principle called rebound technology, in which a very light probe is used to make momentary contact with the cornea. The measurement is barely noticed by the patient and often does not even trigger the corneal blink reflex.

Because measurements are taken using a handheld device in fractions of a second, the software is preprogrammed for six measurements to ensure an accurate reading. The measurement values displayed are average values for all previous measurements. If there is a variation between the measurements, a “P” will flash on the display after the sixth measurement. You will be told if the standard deviation of the measurements is greater than normal and if a new measurement is recommended.

Physician Feedback

Duke ophthalmologist Sharon Freedman, MD, has a large pediatric ophthalmology practice with a sub-specialty interest in pediatric glaucoma. While she does not use the Icare tonometer exclusively, she says that when examining a child who needs a pressure screening and does not cooperate well with other methods, the Icare tonometer has been a wonderful addition to her clinical toolbox.

Dr. Freedman says that children have accepted having their pressures checked with the Icare far easier than with other tonometers because it does not require an anesthetic eyedrop and the contact with the Icare probe tip is very fast. “With the Icare, pressures can be checked between blinks. In addition, the feeling of the probe hitting the cornea is like a small tickle, which is helpful with our pediatric patients.” She adds that the tonometer is easy to use and all levels of her staff can do the readings.

In older children who have glaucoma, Dr. Freedman prefers to use Goldmann applanation tonometry as it is still considered the gold standard.

Future Features

Icare Finland Oy is working on a model PRO that will allow for the measuring of supine patients. In addition, the company has developed Icare ONE that is designed for patients to take their IOP measurements themselves at home. The current Icare model is already used like this, says Kirsi Järvinen, marketing manager for Icare Finland Oy. “Some patients can take measurements totally by themselves and some — like children — use ‘assistants,’ usually family members to measure their eyes,” says Ms. Järvinen. In some cases outside the US where the Icare ONE is already available, doctors might rent the devices to patients while others buy the Icare with a prescription from the doctor. OM

For more information, contact Icare Finland, Oy at (888) 422-7313 or visit www.icaretonometer.com.

Company: Icare Finland Oy Model: Icare Tonometer TA01i Type: rebound Measurement Range: 7-50 mmHg Alignment: manual Accuracy (95% tolerance interval relative to manometry): ±1.2 mmHg (20 mmHg) Repeatability (coefficient of variation): <8% Portability/Weight: 155 g without batteries, 250 g with batteries Special Features: The Icare tonometer is easy-to-use, accurate and portable and requires no anesthesia. It is patient-friendly and requires a minimal amount of maintenance. It uses a single-use, disposable probe that guarantees microbiological safety and saves time.