There are numerous methods and technologies employed to assess the level of the pressure inside a persons eye. Understandably this is a difficult thing to do and it is critical that the measurements that we make are accurate as the pressure reading will invriably become the basis for treatments that will be applied.

Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is internationally accepted as the gold standard for the measurement of IOP. This test uses very sophisticated equipment and can only be performed by a trained opthamologist.

This makes measuring IOP a process that patients can only when they attend their clinic or hospital. Their IOP is unmonitored for all the intervening times so medication is applied on "auto pilot" based on the last test until the next examination.

To find out more about IOP and Tonometry, look here: https://eyewiki.aao.org/IOP_and_Tonometry

Technology is finding new ways of measuring IOP

At the end of my last procedure in 2018, I had heard about a company in Finland who were making quality tonometers for patients to read their own IOP at home and get accurate results. The company is Icare Finland Oy, and not to be confused with the many other businesses who use the name iCare.

Their website is: https://www.icare-world.com/

Please note that although I am very happy to recommend this company and their products, I am not in any way sponsored by them, nor do I receive any form of pay back or gratuities from them. I choose post this information for the benefit of anyone in the future for three reasons: a. iCare seems to be the gold standard in rebound IOP tonometers; b. being able to monitor my IOP myself quickly and easily has given me much needed peace of mind; and c. Knowing my IOP is invaluable in the management of my decades long struggle with glaucoma and the needed medications.

For more information and the discussion between doctors and patients of the value of patients being able to read their own IOP, read the article here: https://patients.icare-world.com/the-icare-home2-tonometer-engages-patients-in-glaucoma-management/

Following all the research that I could do and in discussion with my doctor, I decided to buy an iCare Home tonometer so that I could monitor my guaucoma condition any time I wanted with minimal expense.

PRICE IS AROUND US$2000

This is a major purchase decision, and I appreciate that not many glaucoma patients can afford to buy one of these but hopefully like all latest tech gadgetry, prices will come down over time.

This is the first tonometer that I purchased at the end of 2018 following trabeculectomy proceedures in both my eyes. I live 200 km from my doctor's clinic and at least 50km from a clinic where I could check (after travel, waiting in the long queue and then having to pay for the consultation). Right there it is clear why owning an IOP tonometer is so attractive for me.

I find that this little tonometer, while it is quite accurate (within +/- 2) it is only helpful when there is a computer handy that you can attach the tonometer to via a USB cable and with the iCare LINK software installed. All good when at home but often not very convenient. This is the only downside that I can report about this machine apart from the fact that it is such an expensive little gadget and hopefully they will be able to bring the price down over time so that more people can own one.

PRICE IS AROUND US$3000

I purchased one of these later model tonometers from iCare in 2023 when I started having the relapse and needing to again monitor my condition more closely. Although more expensive at this price point, it is much more user friendly with little innovations such as that the probe is easier to mount, the distance supports are easier to adjust, and especially that it has a color digital display that gives error messages and displays the IOP right away on the window of the tonometer. To use this one you can have your readings inside one minute without any fuss. It also stores the last 100 readings data so you can show your doctor and discuss if needed.

Beware scam seller websites.

If you are a glaucoma patient and interested in learning more about your condition, go to the appropriate websites, you can find out as much as a patient needs to know from qualified people.

If you were interested to purchase a Home tonometer, I can recommend that very highly, but beware. ONLY go to the manufacturer's website and only shop at the resellers that they list on there for your country.

I have found numerous websites that lookes very professional, had all the nice pictures of the instruments and stories of how they were dedicated to helping people empower themself, and offering opthalmic instruments at amazing discounted prices like about half what you see everywhere else. But look closer at the website and note that many links don't work, they don't respond to emails, phone calls to their advertised shop numbers don't get answered. One I found in Singapore that advertised a shop in Marina Square Shopping Mall so I tried to find it. When I could not, I emailed the shopping mall center management, and they advised me that the shop does not exist in their mall! If the price sounds too good to be true, put your credit card away, it is a scam.

Enough said, look for only authorized sellers from known reputable sites.

I purchased mine by having my opthamologist order it for me through her clinic which helped a bit with a small discount, and was guaranteed to be a genuine product backed by the sales agent for servicing.

While we are on the topic of genuine products or knock off, as with all other tech gadgets, there are Chinese made tonometers that you can see available on the net, usually directly from the Chinese manufacturer or an agent and are even available on eBay from China. While I have never tried one of these gadgets, I would not feel confident that they would compare well with the iCare product. I reviewed only their listing in online sales and found that they boasted big about quality and accuracy, I had my doubts based on the quality and accurace of the presentation of the sales pitch. Also, the pricing was not that much cheaper than the iCare product so I felt there was no point in proceeding further about how well or otherwise they worked.

https://www.icare-world.com/

Finally, I made a short video demonstration of how I use both the tonometers.