Frequently asked questions

• What is eye pressure?

  Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), refers to the fluid pressure within the eye.

  Learn more about IOP here: Everything you need to know about the iCare HOME2 – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• Is it normal for my eye pressure to fluctuate?

  Yes, IOP fluctuates in healthy eyes, and even more so in glaucoma eyes. The fluctuations are due to various factors, such as cortisol levels, stress, and exercise. IOP is typically highest in the early morning.

  Lear more about: IOP monitoring with the iCare HOME2 tonometer – An interview with Dr. Barbara Wirostko on Vimeo

• What is the significance of IOP fluctuations in glaucoma?

  Besides high IOP values, IOP fluctuations can be a risk factor for glaucoma progression.

  Learn more about:  IOP monitoring with the iCare HOME2 tonometer – An interview with Dr. Barbara Wirostko on Vimeo

• Why should I measure my eye pressure at home?

  There is a high probability of missing IOP peaks and fluctuations if IOP is only measured sporadically, during clinical visits. Monitoring your IOP over an extended period can provide valuable information for your doctor, enabling them to make more informed decisions about potential treatment options.

  Learn more about: Self-tonometry provides invaluable insights into IOP fluctuations – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• When should I be concerned about my eye pressure readings?

  Please discuss your eye pressure readings with your eye care professional, as glaucoma can vary significantly between individuals.

• What is a home tonometer?

  The iCare HOME2 is a tonometer that enables you to measure your eye pressure at home, outside of the clinical setting. It provides a complete picture of IOP peaks and fluctuations, giving your doctor valuable information for personalized treatment decisions.

• What technology is iCare HOME2 based on?

  The iCare HOME2 uses the same rebound technology that is used in iCare’s professional tonometers, or more than 20 years.

• How does iCare HOME2 work?

  The iCare HOME2 uses a lightweight, sterile probe that briefly touches the cornea. Six measurements in a row are taken to produce an IOP reading. Usually, no sensation is felt.

• Is iCare HOME2 accurate?

  Yes, the accuracy of iCare HOME tonometers has been proven in several clinical studies.

  For more information, please refer to the iCare HOME2 manual: Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• What are the common causes of not getting a reading?

  The iCare HOME2 shows messages on the screen to help you get an accurate measurement. The most common causes for not getting a reading include

  • The measurement distance is not correct; the probe tip may be too far from or too near to the eye
  • The probe is not perpendicular, horizontally or vertically, to the eye
  • Blinking; the probe touches the eyelid or the eyelashes
  • Taking too long to take the six measurements or not clearing the errors between measurements

• If I take a lot of measurements, will it harm the eye?

  No, the contact of the probe with the eye is very light and fast.

• Does the tonometer recognize which eye I am measuring?

  Yes. The tonometer includes sensors to recognize which eye (right or left) you are measuring.

• Can I travel with my iCare HOME2?

  Yes, you can take the tonometer with you anywhere.

  For more information for operating temperatures, humidity, and air pressure please refer to the iCare HOME2 manual Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• What if I wear contact lenses?

  Simply take your contact lenses out and wait for five minutes. Then take your measurements normally.

• When I measure, where should I look?

  Look straight ahead into the light in the probe base. Cover your other eye with your hand.

  For more instructions here: Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• Can I practice with the tonometer before taking a measurement?

  Yes, use iCare HOME2’s practice mode, which can be selected from the menu. In practice mode, you take 10 measurements, and the display shows whether the measurements were successful or not.

• Is the iCare HOME2 probe single use?

  Yes, but you can use one probe for measuring both eyes. In case either eye is inflamed or infected, measure the healthy eye first.

• Do I need anesthetic drops to test my eye pressure with the iCare HOME2?

  No.

• What are the battery specifications for iCare HOME2?

  The tonometer runs on AA batteries. Use 4 x 1.5 V, AA, non-rechargeable batteries, alkaline LR6.

• How long will a set of batteries last?

  For around 1000 measurements. The performance of the batteries may vary depending on the battery brand and model.

• How do I know when I need to change the batteries in my iCare HOME2?

  The tonometer shows the battery charge level when you turn the tonometer on.

• Is it easy for me to use iCare HOME2 if I have low vision?

  The great majority of patients even with lowered vision are able to take the iCare HOME2 into use independently, without difficulty. However, if you have concerns about measuring a tonometer, please consult your doctor.

• I have trembling hands. How can I stabilize the tonometer during measurement?

  Use both hands or place your elbow on a table to support the tonometer during the measurement.

• How do I know I have the tonometer in the right position?

  The tonometer is in the right position when you see only a symmetrical green ring when looking into the probe base. Covering the eye not being measured may help you see the rings more clearly.

• Can I use the iCare HOME2 as a stand-alone device without software?

  Yes, you can see the measurement results on the tonometer screen.

• How many measurements can I review on the tonometer?

  100 measurements. If you use iCare software to review results, the measurements will be shown in the software and deleted from the tonometer.

• How do I need to maintain my iCare HOME2?

  You should change the probe base as well as clean the tonometer regularly.

  See the HOME2 instruction manual for further instruction: Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• How often should I change the iCare HOME2 probe base?

  Change the probe base every 6 months to maintain the accuracy of the tonometer.

• How do I change the probe base?

  1. Turn the probe base collar counterclockwise until it loosens.
  2. Lift the collar off the tonometer.
  3. Pull the probe base out.
  4. Insert a new probe base and replace the collar.
  5. Turn the collar clockwise until it is firmly in place but avoid using excessive force to tighten it.

   

  See the HOME2 instruction manual for further instruction: Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• How do I clean my iCare HOME2 tonometer?

  Clean the tonometer with a cloth or paper towel dampened with water.

  See the HOME2 instruction manual for further instruction: Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• Does the iCare HOME2 require calibration?

  No.

• How can I review my measurement results on a smart phone or a web browser?

  You need to register online for iCare CLOUD and download and install the iCare PATIENT2 mobile app

  For further information, download the Getting Started Guide and the PATIENT2 and EXPORT Quick guide from Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• How do I show the measurement results to my eye care professional?

  You can show the results:

  a) in the iCare HOME2 tonometer’s ”History” menu
  b) on the iCare PATIENT2 app if you have an iCare CLOUD account
  c) You can also print out or save pdf-reports on a web browser by logging in to your iCare CLOUD account.

• Where can I find the necessary software and registration links for my iCare HOME2?

  You can find the links to download the mobile app iCare PATIENT2 and the iCare CLOUD registration page at Resources – HOME2 – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• Which version of iOS or Android does iCare PATIENT2 work with?

  Please check for the latest information in the iCare PATIENT2 instruction manual in  Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com)

• Can I use iCare HOME2 software on my Mac computer?

  You can log in to your iCare CLOUD account from any web browser, including on a Mac.

• Where can I find all the iCare HOME2 instruction manuals and materials?

  You can find all the manuals and materials on the iCare USB drive, located inside the iCare HOME2 carrying case. You can also download digital versions from our website Instructions – iCare HOME2 tonometer – iCare Patients (icare-world.com).

• Where can I get further support with my iCare HOME2 device and software, if needed?

  Please contact the retailer of your iCare HOME2 device or email [email protected].