Design and validation of a prototype to calibrate the pressure variable in tonometry

Abstract

This paper corresponds to the results of an experimental research that to led to the design of a useful prototype for quality control of measurements in the field of tonometry to diagnose and check glaucoma. All tonometry techniques are based on Goldmann ́s tonometers (GT) and the Imbert-Fick principle. Taking into account the principles and techniques of industrial metrology, the prototype could be used as a standard to calibrate the pressure readings of this class of tonometers. The developed protoype eliminates the indirect measurement that is required with current standards and facilitates a greater control of the sources of error in the measurement. The model is based on the integration of a sensor to a hydraulic model to measure pressures from 0 to 80 mmHg range, whose precision was validated through R&R studies. The precision of the prototype was validated according to the Rigel UNI-SIM standard and was complemented by calibrating 15 tonometers.

Keywords

• tonometry
• metrology
• uncertainty in measurement
• calibration