Method for measuring intraocular pressure

• US 20050137474A1
• Filed: 12/09/2004
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Tiolat Oy (Revenio Group Oyj)
• Original Assignee: Tiolat Oy (Revenio Group Oyj)
• Inventors: Kontiola, Antti
• Application Number:
  US11/007,596
• Publication Number:
  US 20050137474A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/398
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/16 for measuring intraocular pressure, e.g. tonometers

Abstract

A method for measuring intraocular pressure includes a probe supported and located in a suitable case, means for giving the probe a specific velocity, and means for processing and displaying the measurement data and controlling operations. According to the method, the probe is given a specific, relatively large initial acceleration, by feeding a voltage/current pulse to the means, particularly a coil, the velocity of the probe is detected using the second means, particularly a coil, on the basis of the data obtained from which, the magnitude of the voltage/current pulse is reduced, in order to reduce and stabilize the acceleration of the probe, the voltage/current pulse is maintained up until the moment of impact of the probe with the eye, or even after the moment of impact, and the impact of the probe is detected with the aid of the coil, in order to calculate and obtain the measurement result, and if desired, the probe is retracted to its departure position within the apparatus, by using the voltage fed to the coil.

Claims

1. A method for measuring intraocular pressure with an apparatus comprising a probe supported and located in a suitable case, means for giving the probe a specific velocity, and means for processing and displaying measurement data and controlling operations, comprising:

feeding a voltage/current pulse to the means for giving the probe a specific velocity, thereby providing the probe with a specific, relatively large initial acceleration;

observing a velocity of the probe using the means for giving the probe a specific velocity on the basis of data obtained from which, or alternatively after a constant time;

reducing a magnitude of the voltage/current pulse in order to reduce and stabilize the acceleration of the probe;

maintaining the voltage/current pulse until a moment of impact of the probe with an eye, or even after the moment of impact; and

observing the impact of the probe with the aid of the means for giving the probe a specific velocity in order to calculate and obtain measurement data.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the probe has a rear part made of a magnetic material and a front part, attached thereto in a manner forming a shoulder, made of non-magnetic material and with a round-shaped point, so that a joint between the front part and the rear part is located, at the start of a measurement, inside the means for giving the probe a specific velocity at a distance from a front thereof.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the probe is held in place, except for during a measurement event, with the aid of the means for giving the probe a specific velocity, when power is switched on in the apparatus.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein a narrowing is made in the case of the apparatus, essentially next to the probe, which is intended to permit parts of an eye being measured to be seen, in order to ensure accuracy.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein a replaceable inner tube is located in the apparatus, inside of which the rear part of the probe is intended to be placed, and an inner sleeve for holding the inner tube in place.

6. A method according to claim 2, wherein the shoulder between the front part and the rear part of the probe is placed, at the start of a measurement, against an opening in the inner sleeve, which receives an edge of the rear part of the probe.

7. A method according to claim 1, further comprising correcting the measurement data based on an algorithm.

8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising correcting the measurement data according to how much kinetic energy is lost in an impact and rebound of the probe.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the means for giving the probe a specific velocity comprises a coil.

10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising retracting the probe back to a departure position within the apparatus by using the voltage fed to the means for giving the probe a specific velocity.