The aim of the project IGD is to develop a new method for measuring the intraocular pressure, taking into account the biomechanical properties of the cornea. The values of the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT) can be significantly influenced by the biomechanical properties of the cornea.

The thickness, the rigidity, the curvature radius and the elastic modulus of the cornea, the morphological structure and the wetness of the corneal surface belong to these properties and influence the "true value" of the IOP.

Many clinical and scientific studies show that the measured IOP by GAT is influenced by e.g. the thickness of the cornea. Therefore, today the additional determination of corneal thickness by ultrasound or Laser pachymeter is medical standard in glaucoma treatment. Thus through the IGD project an automatic, precise working, tonometer should be developed which specifies the "absolute true" of IOP. This requires that the relevant influences of the biomechanical properties of the cornea should be determined and considered accordingly.

Publications & patents:

• SALEH, K., UNGER, V., DIETZEL, A., GROßJOHANN, R., JÜRGENS, C., TOST, F., and HAUEISEN, J. “Evaluation of a novel method to measure the intraocular pressure based on a mechanical eye model”, 46. Jahrestagung der Deutsche Gesellschaft für Biomedizinische Technik (DGBMT) , Jena, 16.-19. September 2012. (accepted)

• SALEH, K., UNGER, V., DIETZEL, A., GROßJOHANN, R., JÜRGENS, C., TOST, F., and HAUEISEN, J. ‘’Mechanical eye model for evaluation of IOP-measuring under consideration of the biomechanical characteristics’’ IEEE- 10thbioeng, Kos, Greece, 5.-7. October 2011 
• UNGER, V., SALEH, K., DIETZEL, A. , HAUEISEN, J. ‘’Novel approach for measuring the intraocular pressure considering the cornea biomechanical properties’’ 45. Jahrestagung der DGBMT, Freiburg, 27.-30. September 2011

Patents:

• SALEH, K., UNGER, V., DIETZEL, A. , HAUEISEN, J., HEYDENREICH, D., GLEI, H., MÜLLER, J., GROßJOHANN, R., JÜRGENS, C., TOST, F . "Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur automatisierten Bestimmung des Intraokulardruckes" . DE 102011015178 B3
  
  (erteilt am 03.05.2012)