The Occuity
PM1 Pachymeter
The world’s only handheld, non-contact, optical pachymeter, the Occuity PM1 pachymeter will make it easier, faster and safer to diagnose glaucoma by measuring corneal thickness in just a few seconds.
NB. The PM1 has now completed clinical trials and the CE certification process started in April 2023. Details on this page are subject to change /and are for guidance only.
The first of Occuity’s revolutionary handheld optical ophthalmic devices, the PM1 pachymeter allows both clinicians and technicians to take a corneal centre thickness measurement quickly and easily.
Simple to use, the handheld PM1 pachymeter is held in front of the subject’s eye at a comfortable working distance. To take a measurement, the operator simply touches the screen to put the pachymeter in scanning mode and holds it up to the patient’s eye.
There is no need to anaesthetise or touch the eye, removing the risk of infection transmission and making the whole process much more comfortable, safer and quicker for both the operator and subject.
Features & Benefits
The Occuity PM1 pachymeter will provide the measuring and non-contacting capabilities of existing optical desktop devices at a price point comparable to the handheld contacting ultrasound devices.
Non-contact
A better clinician and patient experience
The PM1 pachymeter’s non-contact capabilities make it totally pain-free and a much better experience for both the clinician and the patient.
Handheld
Desktop capability, handheld utility
The PM1 pachymeter's compact, ergonomic design ensures convenient portability and storage. Weighing 345g and measuring just 17.5cm in length, it comfortably fits in one hand.
Reduce Chair Time
Results in just a few seconds
As the PM1 pachymeter is non-contacting, there is no need for anaesthetic eye drops. This significantly reduces the overall time it takes to make a measurement.
Easy to operate
Intuitive design means no training is required
The PM1 pachymeter’s touchscreen interface has been thoughtfully designed making it easy and intuitive to use. Clinical staff can become proficient with just a few minutes of practice.
Safer
Reduced risk of disease transmission and injury
With its generous working distance, the PM1 never touches the eye – removing the potential risk of cross-infection and accidental damage to the cornea. In particular, the PM1 pachymeter’s non-contacting capability enhances COVID-19 safety.
No consumables
No waste, No waiting
Removing the need to contact the eye, removes the need for anaesthetic eye drops, waiting and cleaning times. This reduces costs, waste, downtime, and the risk of damaging equipment through cleaning. The PM1 pachymeter was designed with sustainability in mind. A quick wipe to remove any dust from the lenses is all that is required.
Wireless Charging
Ready when you need it
The Occuity PM1 pachymeter will always be ready thanks to the innovative wireless charging cradle.
The cradle also contains a built-in reference artefact so the device can perform a basic self-test before use.
Cost Effective
Desktop Performance, Handheld Pricing
Enjoy the accurate measuring and non-contact capabilities of expensive optical desktop devices at a price point comparable to existing contacting ultrasound devices.
Portable
Take it with you, safe and secure
The PM1 pachymeter's robust travel case (included) safely and securely holds the PM1, its charging cradle and Instructions for Use (IFU). Not only does the case provide protected storage, it allows the PM1 to be safely taken on appointments.
Included in the case is the charging cradle, cleaning cloth and Instructions for Use (IFU).
Precision Optical System
The patented optical technology within the Occuity PM1 pachymeter uses a tightly focused beam of light to scan the eye. When the focus passes through a surface a bright reflection is seen which allows the meter to know exactly where that surface is. The PM1 pachymeter collects the reflections from the front and back surfaces of the cornea, allowing a very precise measurement of corneal thickness.
With our expertise in optics and miniaturisation, Occuity’s proprietary technology ensures that in addition to being accurate, the PM1 pachymeter is also compact and very cost-effective.
The following videos show the PM1 in operation and an existing ultrasound pachymeter being used to take a corneal measurement. As you can see, the entire process takes seconds with the PM1, whilst the ultrasound takes a considerable amount of time and uses disposable resources.
FAQs
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How does a pachymeter work?The Occuity PM1 pachymeter uses an optical technique which means it is completely non -contacting, unlike existing invasive ultrasound pachymeters, which have to directly contact a patient's eye. The measurement principle is a called a confocal scan – a tightly focussed beam of invisible light is scanned through the cornea and the reflections are detected and analysed to determine the thickness of the cornea.
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What price-range do you anticipate the device will be in?We intend that the price will be competitive with the existing ultrasound meters. The PM1 will have many significant advantages, such as the fact it is non-contacting, provides a better customer experience, uses no consumables and is safer and easier to operate. The PM1 can be purchased through distributors in each geography.
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What practice environments do you anticipate Occuity PM1 pachymeter will benefit the most?Most practice environments would benefit from a pachymeter, primarily in order to better understand the patient’s risk of glaucoma. The Corneal Centre Thickness (CCT), can aid the validity and accuracy of the IOP (intra ocular pressure) measured by the tonometer. Knowing the CCT will allow clinicians to understand if their tonometer is actually under or over estimating the IOP. Many clinicians also make the mistake of not knowing what their tonometer assumes corneal thickness to be. Most non-contact tonometers assume a corneal thickness of 550 microns, whereas the Goldmann assumes a thickness of 520 microns. If a practice is involved in Glaucoma shared care, for example, they should measure CCT and provide this with their reports, along with IOP and sometimes ‘corrected’ IOP. Patients with thinner corneas are at a higher risk of glaucoma as well, so understanding the risk factors is important. However, there are also other circumstances where CCT may be useful, such as detection of Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy in post cataract patients, detection or progression of KCC (Keratoconus) or other corneal ectasia’s.
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It takes just a few seconds – is this for one reading or multiple? How many readings are required per eye?The PM1 pachymeter, once alligned automatically captures over 200 scans each second, before immediately displaying the average of these measurements along with the standard deviation (precision) figure.
Comparison
Occuity PM1
Technology
Ultrasound
Optical
Contact
Multiple contacts of cornea
Non contact
Handheld Pachymeters
Measurement Time
Full measurement in seconds
Full process takes several minutes
Risk
Significantly reduced risk of disease transmission and injury
Risk of accidental corneal damage & infection transmission
Cleaning
Minimal cleaning required between patients
Clinical cleaning required between every patient
Consumables
None
Anaesthetic drops, cleansing wipes, replacement probes
Operators
Healthcare professionals
Specialist Trained Clinician Only
Training
Intuitive design with limited training required
Specialist device and anaesthetic training required
Display
TFT Touchscreen Design
Generally Basic LCD Screens
