self-tonometry

Leading Medical Specialists From Around the World Coalesce Around Home Monitoring For Glaucoma Patients

Submitted by dave on Fri, 07/11/2014 - 9:32pm

Leading Medical Specialists Support Self-Monitoring of Eye Pressure by Glaucoma Patients;

Home Monitoring has Potential to Transform Glaucoma Treatment, Says Co-Author of Recent Journal Article

self-tonometry eye pressure monitoringGrowing recognition among leading ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists of an alternative option for measuring pressure in the eye may offer new hope for four million Americans – and millions more people worldwide – who risk permanent blindness, says a co-author of a recent article in the Survey of Ophthalmology.

How to become a self tonometry participant?

Submitted by pflugrath on Thu, 05/19/2011 - 11:38am

If I can secure a prescription from my doctor I would like to join with other self-tonometry participants.

I think I understand the information that participants are responsible to gather and submit.

What are the steps I need to take to become involved?  Assuming I can get a prescription.

Thank you,

Judy

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Why guess about your eye pressure when you can know?

Submitted by belann on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 3:05pm

I have had my tonometer for almost 6 months.  It has answered a multitude of questions about how my daily routine affects my health.  I didn't know, for example, that just taking a walk outside for a half hour or so would reduce my eye pressure, sometimes by as much as 50%.  I also didn't know that I wasn't one of the people whose pressures are higher at night--in fact my lowest pressures are at night.  (That was good news.  I was tired of sleeping with my head elevated).  

I have found no supplements that had any effect on lowering my IOP, but I have found that some supplements will raise my IOP quite significantly.  I know that out of control thoughts and periods of stress significantly raise my IOP in spite of the two drops I am using or any other healthy lifestyle choices I am making. 

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My experiences with self-tonometry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/04/2010 - 3:00pm

I have been part of FitEyes since 2006 and I bought my tonometer in late 2006. I've been using it almost every day since then. I am very calm about measuring my IOP perhaps 2 or 4 times a day (or sometimes not at all if away from home).

While away from home I use drops 'just in case'; at home I might go for several days with no drops while I monitor my IOP with my tonometer .

Home Eye Pressure Monitoring Recommended

Submitted by FitEyesAdmin on Sat, 09/12/2009 - 3:38pm

Millions of people around the world should be monitoring their eye pressure (intraocular pressure) at home, according to health organizations (such as  International Society for Self-Tonometry (ISST)) that are issuing recommendations on what to do and how to do it. Many experts, such as Dr.

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The evolution of a self-tonometrist

While there is not much of a learning curve in actually operating one of the newer Reichert or ICare tonometers so that useful and accurate data can be obtained, there is certainly a learning curve in what to do with that data and how to apply it.  In this article we will give a brief summary of the steps in becoming an experienced and effective self-tonometrist.

Becoming familiar and comfortable with the tonometer is the first task after acquiring a new tonometer. This period can be exciting, but also  daunting to some. There is more familiarity with the concept of monitoring one's blood pressure or blood sugar (in the case of diabetes), and so the thought of measuring one's own eye pressures might seem a little odd at first. However, the tonometers used by the FitEyes community for self tonometry are very easy to use, foolproof and accurate. But it is understandable that because the eye pressure monitoring process is deemed suitable only for doctors or clinics, the idea may take a little getting used to. That is why we at FitEyes are here to help you get comfortable and make friends with your tonometer so you don't have to feel like "the Lone Ranger" in the process.  It is important to remind yourself that you are a pioneer and part of a growing community of tonometrists.

The first thing to do after receiving your new tonometer, will be to find a suitable and comfortable place to take your measurements. This should normally be a place where it is fairly quiet, free from interruption, and with cheerful surroundings (emotions do matter). It should also be a place which is fairly clean and where there are no environmental extremes that would be harmful to the instrument. Next, you will fully familiarize yourself with the controls, alignment (if other than Reichert), and any software which might be used.

Choosing a Tonometer

Deciding whether to monitor your own Eye PressuresReichert 7CR

With self tonometry, the possibility of monitoring eye pressure at home is within every glaucoma patient's reach. And with intraocular pressure as the only current treatable risk factor for glaucoma, those with pre-glaucoma or glaucoma are wise to gather as much data as possible regarding the nature and behavior of their eye pressures. Currently, the practice of monitoring those who are glaucoma suspects (ocular hypertension or OHT) and glaucoma patients entail only receiving routine eye pressure checks at their doctor's office or clinic. It is known by us in the Fiteyes community who test via self tonometry, and by the many studies showing diurnal variations, that eye pressures are far from static (this is even more the case with glaucoma). Therefore, the very infrequent exams that patients are receiving, in our opinion, are completely inadequate in describing the behavior of ocular pressure behavior and variation. This is especially true considering the 'off hours' that doctors don't test the very important night time and morning pressures, and the very important charting of diurnal variation of which Dr. Ritch and others have noted as being a predictor of glaucoma risk (the greater the diurnal variation, the greater the risk factor).
 

Therefore, for one with glaucoma or OHT, the decision to begin the process of self tonometry can be one of the most important, challenging, and rewarding decisions that a person can make. If a person is still undecided whether self tonometry is a worthwhile decision for them, a review of the Fiteyes home page article Why you should Monitor you IOP is highly suggested because it delves into many of these questions, and expounds on some of the pitfalls, objections and concerns which either a doctor or patient may have with the practice of home monitoring of pressures.

Testimonials

At Fiteyes, we believe that the greatest wisdom concerning our management of glaucoma, is found in the feedback which we receive from our practice of self tonometry. This is especially true because all of us are different, and while there are many commonalities in the ways which our eye pressures react to internal states and outside influences, there can also be a great amount of individual variance. Most people who begin self tonometry have found the practice to be extremely valuable in the management of their disease, and in providing valuable feedback for their doctor. However, there can be pitfalls and learning curves in getting the most from the tonometer. Therefore, we have included experiences from some of our Fiteyes tonometry community below.

 

The following comes from Sally,

I have been using my Reichert  AT555 for about 4 years now and really can't imagine not having an efficient way to monitor my IOP on a daily basis. I have learned so much about how to help myself improve my situation and care for my eye health. Here are some examples:
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