Did you know you can now complete Glaucoma IOP tests in the comfort of your own home? This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about home eye pressure monitors and how our iCare tonometers can help!
What is an Eye Pressure Test?
An eye pressure test is used to measure your IOP, which stands for intraocular pressure.
Your eyes need different fluids to stay healthy, and as the old fluids are drained out, new ones are made. We have a natural draining system that allows us to function smoothly, but sometimes this system can get clogged.
When this happens, the fluid builds up and this creates pressure inside of your eyes. Other times the pressure can be caused by an eye injury, but your pressure levels should go back to normal once this heals.
A tonometry test allows you to verify if the pressure inside of your eyes is healthy and gives your doctor an indication if you're at risk for diseases like glaucoma.
So, how does an eye pressure test work?
The most common method involves a puff of air, which you've likely experienced if you've ever had a comprehensive eye exam. It uses a gentle puff of air that works to flatten your cornea. The level of movement that the air puff generates allows your doctor to determine the pressure in your eye!
Our home tonometers use a patented rebound method to test your eye pressure. A tiny disposable probe will make momentary contact with the eye, but an anesthetic is not necessary. This contact allows the tool to measure the IOP.
Benefits of Home Eye Pressure Monitors
You may be wondering, what are the benefits of having an eye pressure monitor at home?
It is not feasible to take home an air puff test to check your IOP regularly. However, intraocular pressure fluctuates during the day and if your eyes experience high pressure within them over an extended period, it can damage your optic nerve.
If this is left untreated, you will have an increased risk of developing glaucoma. There are no other symptoms that will present themselves before the condition is serious, so a tonometry test is the best way to measure changes in your intraocular pressure.
Glaucoma can eventually result in a loss of vision, and the only known way to prevent blindness caused by this disease is early screening.
An at-home eye pressure monitor gives you the freedom and flexibility to test your IOP without needing to go to your eye doctor. More frequent readings and tests can help you pinpoint any changes in your vision that would require medical intervention before it's too late!
Get Started with our Hand-Held Tonometers
The best way to get started is with the iCare Home Tonometer for self-monitoring. Our patented technology doesn't rely on an air puff but rather a rebound that provides quick and reliable IOP measurements.
All of our tools have an ergonomic design and intuitive user interface so that you can safely and accurately operate them from the comfort of your home. These handheld devices are easy to use and do not require training, so you can monitor your eye health without worrying about regularly visiting the doctor office and your doctor can review your data via a cloud platform.
Our home tonometer is the first device available for patients to measure intraocular pressure outside of the doctor's office. The readings are extensive and accurate so that your health care provider can see your diurnal IOP's.
These measurements are essential for managing eye diseases like glaucoma. In other words, this technology can improve compliance for glaucoma medication and allow you to have peace of mind that you are managing it to the best of your ability!
