Noninvasive, continuous intraocular pressure monitor

Abstract

A noninvasive, continuous monitoring device for measuring intraocular pressure without interference with vision or normal activity of the patient. A miniature, planar-faced pressure transducer is fixed in a protruding section of a compliant hydrogel ring which has been tooled to conform to the spherical surface of the sclera. The hydrogel ring is placed noninvasively under the eyelids within the conjunctival cul-de-sac, the transducer being located in the lower temperal quadrant. Applanation of the sclera against the planar surface of the transducer results as a consequence of pressure from the separated tissues. Intraocular pressure readings are based on the variations in resistance in the strain gage elements of the transducer caused by the applied stress to the transducer diaphragm. Data is transmitted through connecting wires to a telemetry unit which transmits the data to a receiver-transcriber console. The total system permits free, uninhibited movement by the patient during the monitoring process and provides a record of intraocular pressure as a function of time-of-day.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.