New products

A revolutionary tonometer

Icare of Helsinki, Finland has designed a tonometer incorporating its patented rebound technology which is useful for early glaucoma detection. It can be used without any preparation on young children, adults of all ages, and even animals; no anesthetic, disinfection, or eye drops of any kind are required.

The readings can be transferred to a computer via a USB cable or just read from the panel of this digital device. According to the Journal of Glaucoma Jan/Feb 2008, “The Icare instrument was easy to use and was able to obtain rapid and consistent readings with minimal training. It was tolerated well by patients with no use of topical anesthetic.”

I was tested a few months ago during a visit to the Icare offices in Helsinki. The procedure was painless and took less than 30 seconds for both eyes. The results were available immediately on the LCD panel. I was relieved to learn that the readings were in the acceptable range and that I wasn’t at risk of glaucoma.

I was in a group of seven. Six of us chose to be tested and we all “passed”, with one exception. Although different people were tested with the same device in rapid succession, the procedure was hygienic since disposable probes were used. The results were retained in the memory of the tonometer and it was easy to scroll through them.

The probe touches the cornea very lightly several times in rapid succession, for only a fraction of a second each time. I was told that I would barely feel it and that was the case. I felt a slight amount of pressure but nothing that made me uncomfortable.

The iCare tonometer is now available in Canada from Topcon Canada, a leading supplier of ophthalmic equipment. Topcon has offices in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta.

For more information on the Icare tonometer, visit www.icaretonometer.com
For more information on Topcon Canada, visit www.topcon.com

Posted April 15, 2010