Validation of the eyeTelemed IOPvet disposable indentation tonometer in dogs

Presenter(s)

Lydia Kapeller

Abstract or Description

Objective: To assess accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) readings from the eyeTelemed IOPvet indentation tonometer.

Animals Studied: 54 eyes from 28 beagle dogs were used in conducting this study - 23 ADAMTS10-mutant beagle dogs with open-angle glaucoma (ADAMTS10-OAG) and five normal controls.

Procedures: For each dog, IOP readings of both eyes were first measured in mmHg with the Reichert Tono-Vera® rebound tonometer; an average of three measurements were taken with the assistance of the instrument’s alignment system. The data were taken and recorded by Person 1, who concealed the results from Person 2. Subsequently, proparacaine HCl 0.5% ophthalmic solution was administered for ocular surface anesthesia, and Person 2 then estimated the IOP using the eyeTelemed IOPvet device. Instead of numbers, this instrument provided the results as green (normal; ≤20 mmHg according to the manufacturer), yellow (elevated; 21-30 mmHg), or red (high; >30 mmHg). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values to identify IOPs >30 mmHg were calculated.

Results: 265 IOP measurements were taken with both the IOPvet and Tono-Vera® tonometers, respectively. The IOPvet was safe, well-tolerated, and easy to use with dogs. The instrument had a high specificity (99%) and positive predictive value (94%) to identify IOPs ≤30 mmHg. Sensitivity (13%) and negative predictive value (50%) to identify canine eyes with IOP >30 mmHg were low.

Conclusion: Because of its affordability, the IOPvet may allow wider availability of IOP estimates for veterinary patients. Our very low-sensitivity results demonstrate that the instrument still requires species-specific calibration for dogs.

Mentor

Andras Komaromy