Self-Tonometry
What is Self-Tonometry?
When you go to your eye doctor, they may use a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer to measure your eye pressure. A numbing eyedrop is placed in your eye and your doctor will press the tonometer against your cornea to get a reading. This is considered the "gold standard" in measuring eye pressure.
Self-Tonometry is the act of measuring one's own eye pressure at home. There are several ways of achieving this. The first way is using an air-puff tonometer similar to what you see at the optometrists / ophthalmologists office. Unfortunately these table top devices are extremely expensive. These are precise instruments, using a puff of air to measure the "bounceback" of your cornea. The faster your eyeball bounces back to original shape after the puff of air hits it, the higher the pressure inside your eye. Think of a basketball, or a balloon. More pressure inside means the ball or the balloon will take less time to resume its normal shape after a temporary deformation from an external force.
In recent years several manufacturers have created handheld devices where users can measure their own eye pressure at home. This allows the patient to characterize their eye pressure throughout the day. The devices I have come across include: The iCare, and the Diaton. These are handheld devices which measure your eye pressure and can be used at home.
There are several ways to measure your own eye pressure
Air-puff Tonometer
Hand-held Device with Probes
Hand-held Device with Probes
An air puff tonometer is a device that measures IOP without making any contact with your eye. It uses air puffs to gently press on your eye and its sensors measure how fast your eyeball bounces back. They are easy to use, durable, but rather expensive. The tonometer pictured above is the Reichert 7CR. There are many other brands.
Hand-held Device with Probes
Hand-held Device with Probes
Hand-held Device with Probes
The iCare HOME and iCare HOME2 are examples of hand held tonometers that use probes to bounce off your eye. Similar to the air-puff tonometer the device measures the time it takes for the probe to recoil off your cornea. You need to change the probe with every use as the probe makes brief physical contact with your eye.
Sclera based Hand-held Device
Sclera based Hand-held Device
Sclera based Hand-held Device
The Diaton is a non-contact hand held device that measures IOP through your eyelid. It is the least expensive of the three options and there are no probes to buy. However it appears to require another person to assist in the measurement.
Arrangement with Optometrist
Sclera based Hand-held Device
Sclera based Hand-held Device
In some instances if you have a good relationship with your eye doctor, they may be able to allow you to take measurements on their air puff tonometers during office hours. This is also another option, albeit not as convenient as the other at home self-tonometry alternatives.