The instrument is based on familiar glaucoma “puff test” technology that was invented over 35 years ago. This test has traditionally been used to measure the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP), an important risk factor for diagnosing and treating the eye disease glaucoma. Vision research scientists discovered that this same technology could be used to obtain additional information about the eye, such as whether the cornea is strong enough to under laser vision correction safely.
During the measurement process, the cornea moves rapidly inward and then back out again. The optical system of the ORA monitors this rapid deformation, enabling the instrument to provide a measurement called corneal hysteresis, which is an indication of the visco-elastic tissue properties of the cornea. This new measurement gives us information about the strength characteristics of the cornea, which can help us diagnose corneal pathologies and give us a better ability to qualify candidates for latest eye technology refractive surgery procedures, such as LASIK.
The technology represents a major benefit for subjects seeking LASIK because it enhances our ability to ensure the success and safety of the procedure. In addition, this new measurement gives us the ability to more accurately measure the pressure in the eye, the purpose for which the instrument was originally developed for over 35 years ago.
The ORA at Pacific Vision Institute is one of only about 150 such devices installed in the USA and one of only a few in the Bay Area.
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