2.6 years ago

BrianB • 250

@brianb

It seems that the feeling of the Reichert air puff changes depending on my IOP. If lower, the puff feels softer. When higher it feels much stronger (and I am assuming that the machine itself always delivers the same puff).

I have tried some informal experiments of guessing the IOP based on how it feels, and I have to see it's been pretty accurate.

Wondering if anyone else has noticed this, or if it is it just my imagination.

2.6 years ago

david 4.3k

@david_fe

Does the feeling of the Reichert 7CR air puff change with IOP?

Yes, the Reichert 7CR air puff changes with IOP by design. The air puff is only as forceful as it needs to be, which is in proportion to your IOP. When your IOP is lower, the tonometer can utilize a softer air puff. If your IOP is higher, the tonometer needs to use a slightly stronger air puff.

However, even the strongest puff on the 7CR is softer than many other air puff tonometers. Other brands, and even some older Reichert tonometer models had a constant force air puff that was always maximal strength. The 7CR is a very gentle tonometer. It goes a step further by sensing when it can further limit the force of the air puff, as you correctly noticed.