iCare debuts ST500 tonometer featuring a slit lamp-mounted design

Image credit: iCare

In a press release, eye care technology manufacturer iCare announced the launch of a new tonometer with a slit lamp-mounted design. The iCare ST500 uses rebound tonometry technology and includes a universal adapter making the tool suitable for most slit lamps.¹ iCare, based in Vantaa, Finland, is a subsidiary of Revenio Group.

According to iCare, the ST500 has a large display and remote control for ease of acquiring and reading intraocular pressure (IOP) numbers. In addition, the tonometer offers easy insertion of disposable probes, momentary and comfortable contact for the patient and streamlined use, with no need for topical anesthesia, fluorescent dye, disinfection, sterilization or time-consuming calibration procedures. A Quick Measure feature is designed to take rapid measurements in challenging cases. iCare will also introduce the SmartCradle alongside the ST500,¹ a charging and storage port which will allow “future easy connectivity and digitalization of IOP measurements.”

Daniele Mantovano, iCare’s Global Business Line Director, said the ease of use will be a major benefit to practitioners and patients. “iCare ST500 brings the key elements of the iCare rebound technology within the slit-lamp based tonometry laid the foundations of a new era in the slit-lamp based tonometry market,” he said. “We’re excited to offer another great option to help eye care practitioners acquire and monitor patients' eye intraocular pressure.”

iCare said that clinical validation of the ST500 indicates results comparable to the Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), along with lower variability between repeated results compared to GAT. In a description of the iCare ST500’s technical specifics,² the company boasted an accuracy rate of ± 1.2 mmHg (≤ 20 mmHg) and ± 2.2 mmHg (> 20 mmHg); repeatability was reported as <8 % (coefficient of variation). Slit-lamp measurement stabilizes the patient positioning, allowing for easier and faster measurement. The device can be linked to a bluetooth printer.

References:

1. iCare ST500™: A New Era in slit-lamp tonometry. Press release. iCare. Published 23 August, 2024. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.icare-world.com/news-from-icare-2024/

2. iCare ST500 information page. iCare. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.icare-world.com/product/st500/