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Patient self-tonometer is accurate, easy to use
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WHEATON, Ill. - Patients can now not only take their own blood pressures at home, they can also test their own intraocular pressure (IOP) thanks to a new, user-friendly self-tonometer. After spending 5 minutes to learn how to use this Food and Drug Administration-approved "do-it-yourself" tonometer, a patient can take his or her IOP at home with no assistance from an optometrist.
A portable Zeimer Self-Tonometer, developed and patented through CDS Technologies, based here, helps eliminate the need to rely on a one-off measurement made in the clinic. It is often difficult for a patient to return to the practitioner's office many times throughout the day to have a pressure taken. Because it is also impractical to admit a patient to the hospital for an IOP study around the clock, this instrument will be invaluable in such circumstances. IOP readings taken over a period of time can easily be made available and taken into consideration in referral or treatment.
When compared to Goldmann applanation tonometry readings, this tonometer was found to be accurate and consistent in clinical studies. In a study of 14 subjects seen in a single clinic, the Zeimer self-tonometer and Goldmann applanometer agreed within 1 mm Hg, according to Joe Dal Santo, Esq., of CDS Technologies.
Device tested on hundreds
Jacob T. Wilensky, MD, and his team at the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago, used a prototype of this tonometer to record diurnal curves on more than 500 patients.
This device obtained three sets of six readings daily for the study period. The patients were trained to administer the anesthetic and to use the tonometer with a self-alignment feature built into the instrument. The Lite-Touch probe used with the tonometer contains a disposable silicone rubber cap for hygiene and patient comfort.
"There's no question that some doctors have a concern about giving their patients anesthetic to use at home," said Dal Santo. "During the training process, the clinician will find out if the patient is able to properly administer the anesthetic."
Researchers found that about 80% of the patients in the trials could successfully be trained to administer the anesthetic and take their own pressure with the device. None of the patients damaged their eyes.
Battery powered with microprocessor
A rechargeable battery is the source of power for the device, which evaluates readings through a built-in microprocessor that the manufacturer says eliminates operator subjectivity. Readings appear in a large digital display window. The tonometer can take up to three sets of six readings daily for 6 days per patient.
The instrument, invented by Ran C. Zeimer, PhD, is computerized when used with the Self-Tonometer Data Manager software. The system offers a database of IOP information on all patients using the machine.
Dal Santo said CDS Technologies plans to market the self-tonometer to pharmaceutical companies who would use it to evaluate their glaucoma medications and to optometrists and ophthalmologists who could lease or rent it to their patients for a 1- to 5-day period.
For Your Information:
- Joe Dal Santo, Esq., can be reached at CDS Technologies, 2043 Spring Green Drive, Wheaton, IL 60187; (630) 231-9665; fax: (630) 682-5687.
- Chris O. Imafidon, PhD, can be reached at e-mail: imafidon@hotmail.com; Web site: //members.wbs.net/homepages/c/h/r/chrisdon1.html. Dr. Imafidon has no direct financial interest in any products mentioned in this article, nor is he a paid consultant for any company mentioned.
- The Zeimer Self-Tonometeris available from CDS Technologies.