instrumental strategies

Sempre Avanti

Non-contact tonometer offers increased measurement accuracy.

ALEX CRINZI, O.D.

Because elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the major risk factors for developing Glaucoma, and it plays a role in the decision making process regarding treatment, it's essential you employ a device that provides accurate IOP measurements. The Reichert 7 Auto Tonometer, the latest model from Reichert Inc., accomplishes this via three features:

1. Icon-based touch screen interface

Because the device includes a touch screen user interface with an easy-to-navigate icon-based operating system, it greatly decreases the chance of operator error. This in turn, increases IOP measurement accuracy. To further ensure measurement accuracy, the interface includes an easy-to-access set-up menu, which, among other options, enables you to record the time of measurement acquisition, so you can assess diurnal variations.

To operate the 7 Auto Tonometer, simply instruct the patient to place his forehead against the device's rest (it doesn't confine patients to a chin rest). Then touch a screen icon to activate the automated alignment and IOP measurement process. I've found that the device's results highly correlate with Goldmann tonometry measurements.

As a brief aside, I appreciate the ability to choose between the device's internal printer and USB port for patient record keeping.

2. Automated alignment

The instrument's X-Y-Z alignment system automatically aligns the air delivery system to the cornea's apex, removing operator error, which not only increases IOP measurement accuracy, but also customizes the amount of air necessary to applanate a particular eye. The device cuts off the customized air puff when it obtains the necessary reading. Also, it increases the puff automatically in cases of high pressure so you and/or or your staff member don't have to change settings when the device provides a reading of more than 30mm Hg. Further, this "customized" air puff ensures a comfortable and non-intimidating experience for your patients, decreasing anxiety and, thus, patient-caused IOP measurement errors (i.e. blinking and squinting).

In addition, the sound-insulating design of the device minimizes the "clunk" of the piston driving the air puff forward — something else patients have told me is "startling."

Reichert 7 Auto Tonometer HEIGHT: 19.75 inches WIDTH: 10.5 inches HEIGHT: 19.75 inches DEPTH: 14 inches WEIGHT: 23 lbs COST: $9,390

3. Triple-measurement mode

This feature not only provides three measurements (a range of 7 mm Hg to 60 mm Hg) — enabling you to average the three for the most accurate number — but, like the automated alignment feature, enhances patient comfort.

Because the 7 Auto Tonometer takes three fast consecutive measurements in one sitting, the device reduces the patient anxiety caused from anticipating each separate measurement. The result: a decrease in patient-induced IOP measurement errors.

In addition to providing me with accurate IOP measurements, the time-saving device has also enabled me to spend more time educating patients about their glaucoma and to schedule more exams. And, I believe the instrument has instilled patient loyalty to my practice, due to its high-tech look and less invasive operation. So, if you're looking for a tonometer that offers both accurate IOP measurements and practice management benefits, I suggest you consider the Reichert 7 Auto Tonometer. OM