Recommendation? Home tonometer

[annr]

I'm looking for a home tonometer to measure interocular eye pressure.

I checked with the insurance company, and this is not considered a covered durable medical expense since it is self-monitoring rather than a therapy.

The doctor said to look for "rebound tonometer." I've done some homework, and there are an array of options and prices. Any information will be appreciated.

 

[DocJD]

http://icare-usa.com/products/icare-home-tonometer/icare-home-product-info/
The rebound type work by bouncing a little probe off the cornea . They are used even on horses and dogs with no anesthetic . I don't know enough to recommend any one over another or anything about prices .

 

[annr]

http://icare-usa.com/products/icare-home-tonometer/icare-home-product-info/
The rebound type work by bouncing a little probe off the cornea . They are used even on horses and dogs with no anesthetic . I don't know enough to recommend any one over another or anything about prices .

Thanks! As it turns out, that is one of the two I am considering. The other is the Reichert 7CR.

One of the main drawbacks of the iCare (handheld) IMO is that it streams the data to the doctor, not the patient. There may be workarounds, and apparently this method is the business model to allow physicians to bill—fair enough —and not really what I had in mind.

The Reichert (desktop) is about $6000 more(!) —the only drawback I’ve been able to determine.

 

[DocJD]

Here's the "old school " devise . Much cheaper and doesn't send data to anyone !

 

[annr]

Here's the "old school " devise . Much cheaper and doesn't send data to anyone !

Interesting, (and funny)!

The nice thing about the Reichert is that is gives 2 IOPs: one to compensate for the biomechanics of the cornea (Goldman correlated) and the second a Goldman equivalent. Supposedly, it's more accurate than Goldman because typical correction formulae can both be incorrect and incorrect in the wrong direction--a problem. Just getting up my courage to call the distributor...

From their website:

The Reichert 7CR from Reichert Technoligies utilizes a patented bi-directional applanation process to characterize the biomechanical properties of the cornea and reduce their impact on the IOP measurement. This measurement, referred to as Corneal Compensated IOP (IOPcc) is minimally affected by corneal visco-elastic properties, thickness, or surgical procedures such as LASIK or PRK. As such, IOPcc is a better indicator of glaucoma risk than other methods of tonometry, including Goldmann Applanation.

The Reichert 7CR is more clinically valid in all subjects, including: normal tension glaucoma patients, primary open angle glaucoma patients, post-LASIK and refractive surgery patients, patients with Fuchs' or corneal edema, keratoconus patients, and patients with thick, thin, or otherwise biomechanically atypical corneas.

 

[DocJD]

That's a very sophisticated model ! Lists ~12 , so maybe 9 or 10 new and 6 or 7 refurbished . You'll need a sturdy stand / table set up and some help to run it . Really a clinical model . Not sure why you think you need it for home , but hope it works out for you . Anybody that quotes R.A.H. should be able to figure out any machine !

 

[annr]

Excellent assessment, and you raised some great points! I’ve never made a purchase like this, so the real benefits are unknown. After a great deal of thought, anything less professional will give unreliable results and therefore would be a complete waste of money and effort, and my doctor would be justified dismissing my testing.

I think you are very close on the pricing, and I’m hoping to do a little better on the new price.

Good advice on the stand/table. I have several options, including my dining room table, work bench, or possibly an adjustable Anthro cart if I can’t get the heights right.

Considering the fact that IOP is the only know modifiable risk factor, I thought that IOP checks 3-4x/year are not going to pinpoint the diurnal fluctuations and/or daily activities that raise/lower pressure, and or the effects of medications (which I have not used). (I am told that it can be operated by the “patient.”) Bottom line: I have to do SOMETHING proactive.

Surprisingly, the other reason I preferred this machine is that it is nearly idiot proof. The alignment, etc., is automatic, and the machine rates the reliability of each reading.

I hope you are correct that I will be able to figure it out!! I have a few questions for the distributor—including if there is anyway to see/test the machine in advance. Thanks for your good comments and interest!