Acoustic Resonance Tonometer

Our objective is to develop a non-invasive monitor for intraocular pressure (IOP). This device,based on acoustic resonance spectroscopy, will facilitate the measurement that is commonly used forglaucoma diagnosis and management and in addition could provide the first practical continuousmeasurement of IOP. A number of devices exist that accurately measure IOP. Contact devices riskcorneal abrasion, reaction to topical anesthetics and spread of infection. Non-contact devices using airpuffs for applanation are in widespread clinical use including home tonometry to a limited extent. Thereis a clear demonstrated need for a non-contact tonometer that can continuously read IOP and alsoprovides safe and easy use by patients or technicians. Our premise is that the eye, when subjected tosmall vibrations, has inherent acoustic resonance frequencies that are a function of intraocular pressure.A measurement of these frequencies and their shifts with iOP will provide a demonstration of thefeasibility of this approach. In phase I a prototype instrument will be constructed and its performancewill be verified in bench model systems. Pre-clinical studies in animals will document the ability of thedevice to track IOP in vivo. A pilot clinical trial is anticipated in Phase II.