Ocular tonometer for estimation of intraocular pressure using free-falling ball
First Claim
1. An ocular tonometer, comprising in combination an oblong hollow tubular housing having a first end and a second end, which are essentially opposite to each other;
- a ball disposed within said housing whose diameter is smaller than the inside diameter of the tubular housing to permit said ball to free fall inside said tubular housing along a free falling pathway from its first end towards its second end;
a holder means situated at the first end of the oblong housing for preventing the ball from falling and for releasing said ball for its free falling inside the tubular housing; and
an indicator means for measuring the amount of ball rebound after its free falling onto an eyelid covering a cornea, of a patient'"'"'s eye as a result of reaction thereof, wherein said indicator means comprises a graduated scale provided on the oblong housing and is subdivided into three portions along its length, said portions corresponding to the amounts of ball rebound that are characteristic of a reduced intraocular pressure, a normal pressure, and an increased pressure.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A ball falls freely onto an eyelid-covered cornea, and the kinetic energy of the ball is conversed into a force causing deformation of the cornea. The amount of the ball rebound varies depending on the amount of intraocular pressure and the latter is judged against the amount of the ball rebound.
An ocular tonometer has a tubular housing, wherein provision is made for a free falling of the ball kept by a special holder at one of the ends of the housing. The opposite end of the housing is placed on the eyelid so that the falling ball interacts with the cornea through the eyelid. The amount of the ball rebound characteristic of the amount of intraocular pressure, is registered either with the aid of a scale or by a special measuring instrument.
-
Citations
4 Claims
-
1. An ocular tonometer, comprising in combination an oblong hollow tubular housing having a first end and a second end, which are essentially opposite to each other;
-
a ball disposed within said housing whose diameter is smaller than the inside diameter of the tubular housing to permit said ball to free fall inside said tubular housing along a free falling pathway from its first end towards its second end; a holder means situated at the first end of the oblong housing for preventing the ball from falling and for releasing said ball for its free falling inside the tubular housing; and an indicator means for measuring the amount of ball rebound after its free falling onto an eyelid covering a cornea, of a patient'"'"'s eye as a result of reaction thereof, wherein said indicator means comprises a graduated scale provided on the oblong housing and is subdivided into three portions along its length, said portions corresponding to the amounts of ball rebound that are characteristic of a reduced intraocular pressure, a normal pressure, and an increased pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
Specification