The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Design and construction of a novel transpalpebral ophthalmic tonometer
Author:	Moinot, Philippe R.
View Online:	njit-etd2008-095 (xii, 50 pages ~ 5.9 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Biomedical Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Biomedical Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Alvarez, Tara L. (Committee chair) Roman, Max (Committee member) Sahin, Mesut (Committee member)
Date:	2008-05
Keywords:	Intraocular pressure IOP measurement Optoelectronic photodetector
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	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.