Abstract: The present technology relates generally to intraocular pressure (“IOP”) monitoring systems and associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, an intraocular pressure monitoring system configured in accordance with the technology comprises an implantable intraocular assembly and an external unit configured to transmit power to and receive data from the intraocular assembly. The intraocular assembly can include an IOP sensing device embedded within a flexible, expandable annular member. The IOP sensing device can include an antenna, a pressure sensor, and a microelectronic device encapsulated by an elastomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the treatment of glaucoma, though insertion of an implant into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal to realize proper drainage of the aqueous humor, which implant is brought into its position in the Schlemm's canal by means of a catheter having a distal and a proximate portion and provided with a number of pores through which a gaseous or fluid medium which comes from a pressure source can emerge during insertion of the catheter carrying the implant into the Schlemm's canal, and while the catheter is being inserted into the Schlemm's canal the gaseous or fluid medium is released under pressure thereby expanding the Schlemm's canal and the implant and upon releasing the implant at its determined location, the catheter can be withdrawn from the Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A wireless intraocular pressure monitoring device includes reflecting and detecting modules. The reflecting module includes a soft contact lens having a curvature corresponding to that of a cornea while worn. A metal layer is embedded in and deformable with the soft contact lens. The detecting module includes two waveguides, an oscillator, and a converting unit. The oscillator is operable to generate oscillation signals having a frequency dependent on an equivalent impedance of the waveguides such that the equivalent impedance corresponds to intraocular pressure. The converting unit is operable for receiving and converting the oscillation signals into an output signal corresponding to the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An implantable polymer-based pressure sensor featuring an electrical LC-tank resonant circuit for passive wireless sensing without power consumption on the implanted site. The sensor is microfabricated with parylene to create a flexible coil substrate that can be folded for smaller physical form factor during implantation, and can be stretched back without damage for enhanced inductive sensor-reader coil coupling. Data received from the sensor can be enhanced to provide improved pressure measurements at increased distances.

Abstract: Described herein is a device for glaucoma treatment and monitoring that comprises a combination of an intraocular pressure (IOP) sensor and a glaucoma drainage device. The device comprises an IOP sensor and an inductive antenna mounted within a porous biocompatible material that forms the drainage path. The IOP sensor is mounted in a footplate portion of the device and is mountable in the anterior chamber of an eye. The footplate portion is connected to a body portion that houses the spiral antenna by a neck portion which retains the footplate portion in a suitable position within the anterior chamber. Due to its size, the footplate portion housing the IOP sensor can readily be inserted into the anterior chamber with the body portion housing the spiral antenna located outside of the anterior chamber in a sub-scleral space to disperse the aqueous humour.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a volume of the posterior segment of an eye during a fluid-to-gas exchange are described. The determined volume of the posterior segment may be used to determine the volume of pure tamponade gas to be introduced into the posterior segment resulting in a desired tamponade gas to other gas (e.g., air) ratio, such as during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. Particularly, the systems and methods may provide for improved gas utilization, less waste, and reduced surgery time, for example, by accurately measuring the volume of the posterior segment of the eye and only using the amount of pure gas required to produce the desired ratio. Further, in some implementations, mixing of a tamponade gas is accomplished intrinsically within the posterior segment of the eye, thereby avoiding manual mixing and reducing surgery time.

Abstract: A method to obtain and view lop time developments of a patient and to generate database relating to a patient's individual IOP development, includes the steps of continuous measurement and storage of IOP data of a patient over a period of time of at least 24 hours, during a normal day and without medication, and then continuous measurement and storage of IOP data of a patient over a period of time of at least 24 hours, the patient taking their medication, wherein medication times, medication durations, doses, active substances, events throughout the patient's day are recorded, wherein the IOP data are measured using at least double the frequency of an assumed time-based pattern in the IOP development and wherein the stored data are relayed to an analysis unit and the data is analysed.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure detecting device includes an image capturing unit, a processor, and a pressure detection unit. The image capturing unit, coupled to the image capturing unit, is capable of acquiring an eye image. According to the eye image, the processor can determine an intraocular pressure detection area. After the pressure detection unit detects the intraocular pressure detection area, the intraocular pressure is calculated by the processor of the intraocular pressure detecting device.

Abstract: An implantable device for measuring IOP comprises a distal portion, a proximal portion and a conformable elongate support extending between the distal and proximal portions. The distal portion comprises a pressure sensor, for example a capacitor, and the proximal portion comprises a coil. The conformable elongate support extends between the distal portion and the coil so as to couple the distal portion to the coil, and the conformable elongate support is sized to position the sensor in the anterior chamber when the proximal portion is positioned under a conjunctiva of the eye. Positioning of the pressure sensor in the anterior chamber has the benefit of readily accessible surgical access and a direct measurement of the IOP of the eye. The proximal portion comprising the coil can be configured to place the coil between the sclera and the conjunctiva, such that the invasiveness of the surgery can be decreased substantially.

Abstract: Certain pressure sensor devices are much smaller than prior art devices, yet are at least as sensitive as the prior art devices. A capacitive pressure sensor can include a flexible substrate that permits bending of a pressure sensing region without significantly affecting operation thereof. The pressure sensor can include a flexible membrane in which an electrode is sandwiched between two layers of polymeric material. The sandwiched electrode can be extremely close to a reference electrode so as to provide for highly sensitive capacitance readings, yet the membrane can be restricted from contacting the reference electrode under high pressure conditions.

Abstract: A wireless intraocular pressure monitoring device includes reflecting and detecting modules. The reflecting module includes a soft contact lens having a curvature corresponding to that of a cornea while worn. A metal layer is embedded in and deformable with the soft contact lens. The detecting module includes two waveguides, an oscillator, and a converting unit. The oscillator is operable to generate oscillation signals having a frequency dependent on an equivalent impedance of the waveguides such that the equivalent impedance corresponds to intraocular pressure. The converting unit is operable for receiving and converting the oscillation signals into an output signal corresponding to the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable mask with two ocular cavities can seal against a user's face by forming an air-tight seal around the periphery of the user's eye socket. The sealed air-tight ocular cavity can be pressurized to take ocular measurements. The mask can conform to the contours of a user's face by inflating or deflating the mask. In addition, the distance between the user and a medical device (e.g. an optical coherence tomography instrument) can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the mask. Also disclosed herein is an electronic encounter portal and an automated eye examination. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A contact lens shaped measuring device (1) comprises sensor (3) having a protrusion (14) towards the cornea (22). The measuring device (1) is flexible to a degree that it is flattened by a closing eye lid and the protrusion creates an indentation of the cornea. The occurring force on the protrusion is measured by the sensor. Applying a constant lid acceleration/deceleration model to the movement of the lid and a mechanical model to the cornea, the tension of the cornea is determined and deduced from the force measured with the lid closed, yielding the true intraocular pressure. In an alternative, the protrusion is characterized by a discontinuity in its shape, or the sensor is subdivided, each subsensor being characterized by a protrusion of different shape. With the values obtained as extrema and at the discontinuity or with different protrusions, the cornea tension can be obtained by a (linear) extrapolation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an intraocular pressure sensor that is put into an eyeball of a patient and measures the intraocular pressure, the method comprising: preparing a first substrate; depositing a base film on the bottom of the first substrate; exposing the top of the base film by etching the first substrate; applying epoxy onto the center of the exposed base film; disposing the first electrode at the epoxy-applied portion on the base film; preparing a second substrate; depositing a support film onto the second substrate; forming a second electrode on the support film; exposing the bottom of the support film by etching the second substrate; and disposing the second substrate onto the first substrate.

Abstract: Intraocular pressure measuring and/or monitoring device comprising a soft contact lens and a pressure sensor united with the soft contact lens, the pressure sensor being located such that it is applied against an eye of a user for sensing the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye when the soft contact lens is worn by the user, wherein the soft contact lens is softer than a surface of the eye and is configured to adapt its shape to the shape of the eye under the effect of capillary force maintaining the contact lens on the eye when the user is wearing the contact lens.

Abstract: Systems for performing sequential multiple function ophthalmic measurements using separate measurement instruments, by mechanical switching between the instruments. In prior art systems, the separate measurement instruments are stacked, and transfer between them is performed by means of a linear mechanical motion stage. The separate measurement instruments of the present application are mounted on a base which is rotatably pivoted around a joint at a location remote from the optical entry apertures of the instruments. The entrance apertures of the measurement instruments then traverse the eye being measured sequentially. A rotational motion around the pivoted joint is thus transformed into a linear motion at the eye of the subject, without the need for a linear motion stage. A Scheimpflug camera corneal thickness measurement is also described, in which the measurement head is tilted during the corneal scan such that the illuminating slit beam always impinges on the cornea normally.

Abstract: An IOP monitoring device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a first tube having a first opening, the first tube being configured to extend into the anterior chamber. An intraocular pressure sensing (IOP) device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a pressure sensor, a pressure sensor cap, and a tube coupled to a chamber inlet. The pressure sensor cap may include a recess having an inner surface, the recess configured to receive the pressure sensor such that a chamber is formed by the pressure sensor and the inner surface and a chamber inlet permitting a fluid to communicate with the chamber and be primed in a bubble-free manner. The tube may be coupled to the chamber inlet to allow fluid communication between an anterior chamber of the eye and the chamber.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring change of intraocular pressure and a contact lens for sensing change of intraocular pressure are provided. The contact lens includes a first material layer and a first pattern. The center of the first material layer has an optical region, and the optical region corresponds to a cornea region of an eyeball. The first pattern is formed on the optical region. Furthermore, the contact lens may further include a second material layer and a second pattern. The second material layer is located on the first material layer. The second pattern is formed on the second material layer and overlaps with the first pattern to form a moire pattern.

Abstract: An instrument has been designed to study the pulsatile motion of the eye by analysis of a beam of light reflected from the corneal surface. A laser light beam probe of small spot size and low divergence strikes the cornea apex and the reflected movement is recorded by a sensor. Analysis of the beam movement reveals the energy in the eye pulse without the necessity of physically touching the eye. The value of the intraocular pressure is determined from the calculated power spectrum. The sensitivity, accuracy and efficiency of the light beam makes possible studying both eyes concurrently and comparison of the pulse parameters of onset, amplitude and duration reveals any delay in circulation to an eye.

Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device has an active valve configured to be located between an anterior chamber of an eye and a drainage location, a power source coupled to the active valve, and a controller coupled to the power source. A first pressure sensor is located in fluid communication with the anterior chamber, a second pressure sensor is located in the drainage location, and a third pressure sensor located remotely from the first and second pressure sensors. The controller reads the first, second, and third pressure sensors once during a period of time and adjusts the active valve to control intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly sized for insertion within an eye of an average human is disclosed. The sensor assembly comprises a sensor and an antenna system coupled to the sensor, wherein the antenna system is pliable between an expanded condition and an unexpanded condition, and the expanded condition has a predetermined shape configured to interface with tissue within the eye in a manner that stabilizes the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring intraocular pressure, the system comprising: a sensor package configured to be disposed in the suprachoroidal space of a patient's eye; a pressure sensor; a wireless transceiver disposed within the sensor package and coupled to the pressure sensor; an external transceiver, the external receiver being wirelessly coupled to the wireless transceiver when the transceiver is disposed proximate to the patient's eye.

Abstract: A portable non-contact tonometer (2) for measuring Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP) of subject's eye is presented. Tonometer (2) is designed to be operated by the subject himself. It is housed in a hand-held case (4) which contains compressed air source (40), eye alignment detectors (12, 14), cornea applanation detector system (8, 10), a pressure sensor (32) and optical system for presenting gaze target (48). The animated gaze target (48) advantageously draws subject's attention to itself and keeps his eye (62) in alignment long enough for the measurement to take place, while optionally displaying system status and operating instructions. An audio annunciation system (16) guides the subject in the operation of the tonometer and prepares him for the actual procedure. The timing of the air puff is randomized to prevent subject's conditioning. The overall operation of the tonometer is controlled by a built-in microprocessor (50) system.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.

Abstract: System for monitoring at least one biomechanical ophthalmic parameter, the system comprising a measuring device (1) adapted to be placed on or implanted into an eye of a patient for measuring said at least one biomechanical ophthalmic parameter of said eye, a recording device (6) for obtaining from said measuring device (1) measurement data representative of the instant value of said at least one biomechanical ophthalmic parameter of said eye, wherein said recording device is adapted to obtain said measurement data at a predetermined frequency equal to or greater than twice the variation frequency of said at least one biomechanical ophthalmic parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.

Abstract: Provided are adjustable sutures comprising a suture thread 1 attached to one or more tension-releasing portion(s) 2, wherein the suture thread 1 and the tension-releasing portion(s) 2 are joined together at two or more joining zones 3, and a spanning segment 4 extends between the joining zones 3, and wherein the adjustable suture is breakable, mechanically or by applying laser energy. The adjustable sutures may be used in surgical methods where intra-operative and/or post-operative adjustment of the suture is required.

Abstract: Cerebral and retinal perfusion monitoring devices, systems, and methods, are described. Such devices, systems, and methods can be used during surgical procedures, including cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and spine surgery in prone position, to monitor a patient's brain perfusion in real time. In some embodiments, such monitoring allows trends in perfusion over time to be assessed. Such monitoring allows appropriate medical interventions to be undertaken in the event a state of hypoperfusion is detected, thereby reducing risks of brain hypoperfusion and stroke for patients undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as minimizing risk of retinal artery thrombosis with resulting blindness for patients undergoing prolonged procedures in the prone position.

Abstract: An implantable active pressure transducer including a pressure sensing element and associated sensor circuitry together enclosed within an innermost glass packaging. The pressure sensing element is anodically bonded to the innermost packaging substantially aligned with an opening defined therein. An outermost biocompatible metal packaging forms a cavity divided into first and second chambers by an intermediate partition. The innermost packaging is disposed within the first chamber without physically directly contacting or being fixed to the outermost packaging. A barrier plate is hermetically sealed to the intermediate partition to hermetically isolate the battery and communication circuitry from a pressure transmitting fluid. Inductive coupling is used to communicate data detected by the pressure sensing element internally within the implant.

Abstract: A direct visualization (DV) system and methods for measuring one or more anatomical features of the eye, including a depth of the iridocorneal angle of the eye. The DV system can include a wire extending distally from a handle with the wire having one or more indicators for measuring anatomical features of the eye. The DV system can be deployed into the eye and used with minimal trauma to ocular tissues. Furthermore, the DV system can be used independently or alongside other ocular instruments, such as instruments having indicators corresponding to the DV system for correctly implanting ocular implants without the use of a gonio lens.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a structural characteristic and/or material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a stress of the cornea is derived as a structural characteristic and/or material characteristic, wherein stresses in the corneal material are rendered visible.

Abstract: A system and method of receiving a cassette to a console of a phacoemulsification system. The system and method may include receiving the cassette in close proximity to a cassette receptacle comprising a receiving surface, sensing variations in at least two variable resistances mounted respectively diagonally about the receiving surface, and comparing the variations as between the at least two variable resistances to assess an attitude of the cassette. The system and method may optionally include clamping the cassette responsively to the comparing step.

Abstract: The invention relates to an opthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a diameter d1 of a first applanation area of the cornea and a diameter dn of a deformation area of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device with which a cornea of the eye is deformed in contactless manner, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a stiffness of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.

Abstract: A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing means for a contact lens used in a physiological parameter measuring system comprising one or two contact lenses, wherein to improve the comfort of wear for a patient each contact lens comprises an antenna and a purely passive sensing means. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and a method to fabricate the sensing means and the contact lens.

Abstract: A non-contact ultrasonic tonometer for measuring an intraocular pressure of an examinee's eye in non-contact manner by use of an ultrasonic wave, comprises: an ultrasonic transducer including a transmitter which emits an ultrasonic transmission pulse wave to the eye and a receiver which detects an ultrasonic reflection pulse wave from the eye, the transducer being arranged to be placed in a position apart from the eye and to transmit and receive the pulse wave with respect to the eye through the medium of air; and a calculation part being arranged to obtain a peak amplitude level of the reflection pulse wave based on an output signal from the ultrasonic transducer and measure the intraocular pressure based on the obtained peak amplitude level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device adapted to measure intraocular pressure comprising: a corneal contact lens having a pressure sensor mounted in a recess or cavity in the contact lens, and wherein the contact lens has a back surface which is formed so as to protrude in a desired portion beyond the profile of the adjacent part of the lens and thus to press against the cornea, which protruding portion experiences a reactive deformation which is detected directly or indirectly by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring intraocular pressure, the system comprising: a sensor package configured to be disposed in the suprachoroidal space of a patient's eye; a pressure sensor; a wireless transceiver disposed within the sensor package and coupled to the pressure sensor; an external transceiver, the external receiver being wirelessly coupled to the wireless transceiver when the transceiver is disposed proximate to the patient's eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sensing intraocular pressure are described. In one embodiment, a miniaturized IOP monitoring system is provided using a nanophotonics-based implantable IOP sensor with remote optical readout that can be adapted for both patient and research use. A handheld detector optically excites the pressure-sensitive nanophotonic structure of the IOP-sensing implant placed in the anterior chamber and detects the reflected light, whose optical signature changes as a function of IOP. Optical detection eliminates the need for large, complex LC structures and simplifies sensor design. The use of nanophotonic components improves the sensor's resolution and sensitivity, increases optical readout distance, and reduces its size by a factor of 10-30 over previously reported implants. Its small size and convenient optical readout allows frequent and accurate self-tracking of IOP by patients in home settings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable measuring device (1) for measuring the intraocular pressure at an ocular sclera (2), having pressure sensor means (5, 7) embedded in a pressure-transmitting housing (6) for biocompatible contacting of the ocular sclera (2), having at least one, preferably substantially flat, pressure sensor area (7) that allows for a reliable measurement of the intraocular pressure and is operatively easy to insert, in as much as possible, while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, wherein it is proposed that the housing (6) is configured with dimensionally stable elasticity.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for use in monitoring one or more conditions of a subject's body. The system includes a control unit which includes an input port for receiving image data, a memory utility, and a processor utility. The image data is indicative of data measured by a pixel detector array and is in the form of a sequence of speckle patterns generated by a portion of the subject's body in response to illumination thereof by coherent light according to a certain sampling time pattern. The memory utility stores one or more predetermined models, the model comprising data indicative of a relation between one or more measurable parameters and one or more conditions of the subject's body. The processor utility is configured and operable for processing the image data to determine one or more corresponding body conditions; and generating output data indicative of the corresponding body conditions.

Abstract: A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A surgical technique and device wherein an indwelling tube is placed in the eye of a patient having glaucoma. The tube diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space from which it is removed by blood flowing in the choroidal and uveal tissues. This decreases the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An implantable intraocular physiological sensor for measuring intraocular pressure, glucose concentration in the aqueous humor, and other physiological characteristics. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may be at least partially powered by a fuel cell, such as an electrochemical glucose fuel cell. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may wirelessly transmit measurements to an external device. In addition, the implantable intraocular physiological sensor may incorporate aqueous drainage and/or drug delivery features.

Abstract: In systems and methods for generating cross-linking activity in an eye, a feedback system monitors a biomechanical strength of the eye in response to the photoactivation of a cross-linking agent applied to an eye. The feedback system includes a perturbation system that applies a force to the eye and a characterization system that determines an effect of the force on the eye. The effect of the force provides an indicator of the biomechanical strength of the eye. The characterization system determines the effect of the force on the eye by measuring an amount of deformation caused by the force or a rate of recovery from the deformation.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system is disclosed. The pressure monitoring system includes a stimulation/response circuit configured to transmit a first signal during a stimulation mode and receive a second signal during a response mode, and a pressure monitoring apparatus configured to receive the first signal and transmit the second signal. The pressure monitoring apparatus includes a capacitive pressure sensor assembly, an insertion needle assembly, and a coil assembly. The insertion needle assembly, having an insertion opening, is coupled to the capacitive pressure sensor assembly, wherein fluid pressure at the insertion opening is fluidly communicated with the capacitive pressure sensor assembly.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure monitoring device has a soft contact lens and a pressure sensor united with the contact lens, the pressure sensor comprising an active strain gage, a passive gage, a rigid element and a microprocessor. The active strain gage, passive gage and rigid element are placed at a distance from the center of the contact lens, the active strain gage comprising a portion encircling the center of the contact lens on at least 180°, wherein the passive gage and the rigid element each comprise a portion encircling the center of the contact lens on at least 180°, and wherein the portion of the passive gage situated around the center of the contact lens is placed in immediate vicinity of the portion of the rigid element situated around the center of the contact lens. A kit has such a pressure monitoring device and a portable recording device configured for communicating with the pressure monitoring device and for storing data received from it.

Abstract: A standard handheld cellular telephone for obtaining diagnostic data is described. In at least one aspect, a standard handheld cellular telephone has a processor, a cellular transceiver, a signal transmitter, a signal receiver and memory for storing instructions for execution by the processor. The acoustic, electromagnetic, optical, and positioning functions of a cellular telephone are exploited. The standard handheld cellular telephone is configured to be capable of performing operations including causing the signal transmitter to transmit a signal through a medium when the signal transmitter is placed adjacent to the medium, receiving with the signal receiver one or more propagations of the transmitted signal after the transmitted signal has passed at least in part through the medium, and obtaining diagnostic data from the received one or more signal propagations.