Design and construction of a novel transpalpebral ophthalmic tonometer

Glaucoma -- a degeneration of the optic nerve- is a leading cause of blindness which is primarily caused by large fluctuations in intraocular pressure (lOP) known as diurnal variations. Because these peak in the early morning dropping off rapidly, a self administrable and inexpensive lOP home testing procedure is highly desirable. The approach contained herein -- unlike traditional Goldman applanation tonometry which requires the use of ophthalmic anesthetics and complex diagnostic equipment- describes a novel lOP measurement method consisting of concavation of the cornea or sclera through the palpebra superior by the spherical tip of an optoelectronic photodetector suspended in a force sensing probe. Three subjects participated in an experiment in which a prototype device was tested alongside traditional measurement techniques in a clinical setting. Whilst the device was designed to be initially calibrated to each individual subject for palpebral color, reflectivity and thickness, uncompensated preliminary data collected disclose proof of concept.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Moinot, Philippe R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Tara L. Alvarez
• Max Roman
• Mesut Sahin

• Intraocular pressure
• IOP measurement
• Optoelectronic photodetector
• Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/366

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.njit.edu:theses-1365