TOKYO, March 1, 2011—Canon Inc. announced today the development of a new non-contact tonometer that enables the fully automated measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) for both eyes, and incorporates a pachymeter that supports corrected IOP values based on corneal thickness.
The newly developed ophthalmic instrument inherits the fully automated measuring functions of its predecessor, the TX-F, while offering enhanced operability. In addition, capable of measuring corneal thickness at the same time as intraocular pressure, the device newly features a pachymeter that automatically calculates a corrected IOP value* based on data gathered on corneal thickness. This function enables intraocular pressure testing that takes into account the effect corneal thickness may have on IOP values.
Supporting the measurement of both intraocular pressure and corneal thickness in one device, the new tonometer enables reduced examination times and contributes to space savings by removing the need for two separate devices. Furthermore, the auto-alignment technology makes possible the easy detection of a patient's eye for operating ease. Once the eye is displayed on the monitor, a single push of the start button begins one continuous series of operations to measure IOP and CCT for each eye in succession. Additionally, the device offers great improvements in operability through the incorporation of a color LCD display screen and joystick, delivering even more convenient and time-efficient examinations.
It is known that corneal thickness influences intraocular pressure, with thinner corneas resulting in lower IOP readings and thicker corneas yielding higher IOP readings. The newly developed tonometer incorporates a pachymeter that measures IOP and CCT at the same time, and then automatically calculates and displays corrected eye pressure values taking into account the effect corneal thickness may have on results. The tonometer enables more accurate IOP valuations in such cases as corneal thinning following Lasik refractive surgery, and elevated IOP values due to thickening of the cornea.
Canon will be displaying a prototype version of the new non-contact tonometer at the Canon corner during the MIDO International Optics, Optometry and Ophthalmology Exhibition 2011, which will be held from March 4 to 6 in Milano, Italy.
