Icare rebound tonometer to measure intraocular pressure

NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on the Icare rebound tonometer to measure intraocular pressure.

Icare products are the only devices that currently use rebound tonometry to measure intraocular pressure. These help to assess the risk of developing glaucoma, and also to detect and monitor the condition. The 4 functionally similar Icare tonometers measure the deceleration and rebound time of a small, lightweight probe, which makes brief contact with the cornea. Evidence from 1 systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published before 2010 showed that 52% (pooled value) of Icare intraocular pressure measurements were estimated to be within 2 mmHg of Goldmann applanation tonometer measurements. Five cross-sectional studies (published after 2010) of mixed quality assessed the agreement between measurements obtained with Icare and those obtained with the Goldmann applanation tonometer, with variable results. The Icare tonometers cost between £1,595 and £3,695 excluding VAT. The disposable probes for each model cost between £50 and £100 for 100 probes.

MIBs provide a description of the medical technology, including its likely place in therapy, the costs of using the technology and a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant published evidence.

Their purpose is to provide objective information on device and diagnostic technologies to aid local decision-making by clinicians, managers and procurement professionals. By making this information available, NICE helps to avoid the need for NHS organisations to produce similar information for local use.

MIBs are not NICE guidance. They differ in format, contain no judgement on the value of the technology and do not constitute a guidance recommendation.

MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics.