Intraocular pressure measurement probe and intraocular pressure meter

Abstract

Provided is an instrument with which it is possible to measure the intraocular pressure of a subject to be examined with low invasiveness and with higher accuracy. A probe (10) for measuring intraocular pressure is provided with: an optical fiber pressure sensor (30) in which a pressure receiving section (38) is provided at the tip of an optical fiber (37); and a needle tube (20) that covers the pressure-receiving section (38) side of the optical fiber pressure sensor (30) and houses the pressure-receiving section (38) therein. The needle tube (20) has, at the tip thereof, a needle tip (21) that punctures an object to be inspected, and the diameter of the needle tube is 30-34G. The pressure receiving section (38) is provided at the position of the needle tip (21) inside the needle tube (20). The optical fiber pressure sensor (30) and the needle tube (20) are fixed between the optical fiber (37) and the needle tube (20) on the base end (23) side of the needle tube (20) by a joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a probe for measuring intraocular pressure and an intraocular tonometer. Background Art

[0002] In the past, in ophthalmology departments of many hospitals, doctors measured the intraocular pressure of the subject to be examined in order to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma or other diseases, and used a tonometer for the measurement. In the past, there were tonometers with high invasiveness, but in recent years, applanation tonometers have been mainly used because they can measure intraocular pressure with low invasiveness.

[0003] Applanation tonometers include contact tonometers such as non-contact tonometers that do not come into direct contact with the eye during measurement and Goldmann applanation tonometers that come into direct contact with the eye during measurement. In a non-contact tonometer, intraocular pressure is measured by blowing a stream of air toward the cornea of ​​the eye of the subject to be examined (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In a Goldmann applanation tonometer, intraocular pressure is measured by bringing a prism into contact with the cornea of ​​the eye of the subject to be examined (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). Compared with a non-contact tonometer using air, the Goldmann applanation tonometer can measure more accurately, and therefore is used as a standard and is used for continued observation of glaucoma.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-6652

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-128941 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In both the non-contact type using air and the contact type using a prism, the above-mentioned applanation tonometer performs measurements through the corneal tissue of the eye of the subject to be examined. Therefore, the measurement result depends on the corneal shape of the eye of the subject to be examined, and for example, in an eye that has undergone laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery or a corneal transplant surgery, the intraocular pressure measurement value may differ significantly.

[0010] In addition, as in normal-tension glaucoma which has been regarded as a problem in recent years, many patients actually suffer from optic nerve damage and develop glaucoma symptoms even though their intraocular pressure is within the normal range when measured using an applanation tonometer.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention is to provide an instrument capable of measuring the intraocular pressure of an object to be examined with low invasiveness and higher accuracy. The present invention also provides an intraocular tonometer using the above instrument.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] The present invention provides a probe for measuring intraocular pressure, wherein the probe for measuring intraocular pressure comprises: an optical fiber pressure sensor, wherein a pressure-receiving portion is provided at the top end of the optical fiber; and a needle tube, which covers the pressure-receiving portion side of the optical fiber pressure sensor and accommodates the pressure-receiving portion inside, wherein the needle tube has a needle tip at its top end for puncturing an inspection object, and the caliber size of the needle tube is 30G to 34G, the pressure-receiving portion is provided at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube, and the optical fiber pressure sensor and the needle tube are fixed by a joint between the optical fiber and the needle tube at the base end side of the needle tube.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention provides an intraocular tonometer including the above-mentioned intraocular pressure measuring probe.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intraocular pressure measuring probe as a device capable of measuring the intraocular pressure of an object of examination with low invasiveness and higher accuracy. In addition, the present invention can provide an intraocular tonometer using the intraocular pressure measuring probe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is an external view showing an example of an intraocular pressure measuring probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified view of area A in FIG.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 BB line section view in.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area C in FIG.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area D in FIG.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure receiving part of a Fabry-Perot type optical fiber pressure sensor.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intraocular tonometer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the eyeball showing the structure of the eyeball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Applanation tonometers such as non-contact tonometers using air and contact tonometers using prisms (Goldmann applanation tonometers) measure through the corneal tissue of the eye of the subject to be examined, so the measurement result depends on the shape of the cornea. Therefore, there is a first problem that the intraocular pressure measurement value of the applanation tonometer varies depending on the tissue changes of the cornea caused by excimer laser in situ keratomileusis surgery or the state of the subject to be examined, making it difficult to measure as an absolute value.

[0026] On the other hand, glaucoma is a disease that causes blindness due to damage to the optic nerve, narrowing of the visual field or partial loss of vision caused by increased intraocular pressure, but even people with normal intraocular pressure sometimes develop glaucoma symptoms, which is called normal-tension glaucoma. There is a second problem as follows: normal-tension glaucoma accounts for about 70% of glaucoma in recent years, and the number of cases where optic nerve damage and glaucoma symptoms occur is increasing, even though the intraocular pressure is within the normal range when measured using an applanation tonometer.

[0027] Based on the first and second problems, the present inventors established a hypothesis that the intraocular pressure is different between the corneal side (anterior chamber side) and the retinal side of the eyeball of the object of examination, and verified it through animal experiments using micro pressure sensors. As a result, it was found that the intraocular pressure values ​​on the corneal side and the retinal side of rabbits were significantly different, so the present inventors studied a probe for measuring intraocular pressure as a medical device, thereby completing the present invention.

[0028] That is, the intraocular pressure measuring probe of one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include: an optical fiber pressure sensor having a pressure receiving portion at the top end of the optical fiber; and a needle tube that covers the pressure receiving portion side of the optical fiber pressure sensor and accommodates the pressure receiving portion inside. The needle tube has a needle tip at its top end for puncturing the inspection object, and the caliber size of the needle tube is 30G to 34G. In addition, in the intraocular pressure measuring probe, the pressure receiving portion of the optical fiber pressure sensor is provided at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube. Moreover, the optical fiber pressure sensor and the needle tube are fixed by a joint between the optical fiber and the needle tube at the base end side of the needle tube.

[0029] In the intraocular pressure measuring probe of the present embodiment, since the bore size of the needle tube having the needle tip for puncturing the inspection object is 30G to 34G, the intraocular pressure can be measured with low invasiveness. In addition, in the intraocular pressure measuring probe of the present embodiment, the pressure receiving portion of the optical fiber pressure sensor is provided at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube, and the optical fiber pressure sensor and the needle tube are fixed by a joint between the optical fiber and the needle tube at the base end side of the needle tube, so the intraocular pressure can be measured with very high accuracy.

[0030] The following describes in detail the preferred structure, specific examples, etc. of the intraocular pressure measuring probe and the intraocular pressure meter equipped with the probe according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on common structures in each figure, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an external view showing an intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 as an example of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view of area A in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged view of the tip side of the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The BB line section view is Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end side of the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 along the axial direction. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area C in FIG. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area D in FIG.

[0032] The intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 includes a needle tube 20 located at the tip side of the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 and an optical fiber pressure sensor 30 whose tip side is covered by the needle tube 20. Figure 1 As shown, the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 can include a connector 31 connected to a device body in an intraocular tonometer described later and a coating 32 covering an optical fiber 37 connected to the connector 31. The coating 32 can be composed of, for example, a cable 33, a cable sheath 34, a resin tube 35, and a resin coating 36.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the needle tube 20 located at the top end side of the intraocular pressure measurement probe 10 has a needle tip 21 at its top end for puncturing the inspection object. The needle tube 20 is a hollow cylindrical shape, covers the top end side of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 described later, and accommodates the pressure receiving part of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 described later inside the needle tube 20. The needle tip 21 of the needle tube 20 is formed with a blade surface 22 to pierce the tissue of the inspection object, and the angle θ of the blade surface 22 is preferably 5° to 40°, and more preferably 5° to 30°. In addition, the angle θ of the blade surface 22 is also preferably 20° to 40°, and more preferably 25° to 35°.

[0034] From the viewpoint of low invasiveness and covering the top side of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30, the caliber size of the needle tube 20 is 30G to 34G. The caliber size of the needle tube 20 indicates the outer diameter (thickness) of the needle tube 20. The higher the caliber size, the thinner the needle tube 20. For example, the outer diameter of the needle tube 20 with a caliber size of 28G to 34G made of SUS304 is about 0.36 to 0.18 mm, and its inner diameter is about 0.20 to 0.10 mm. The outer diameter of the needle tube 20 with a caliber size of 30G to 34G is about 0.30 to 0.18 mm, and its inner diameter is about 0.14 to 0.10 mm. From the viewpoint of low invasiveness, the caliber size of the needle tube 20 is 30G or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of covering the top side of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30, the caliber size of the needle tube 20 is preferably less than 33G, and more preferably less than 32G.

[0035] The needle tube 20 covers the tip side of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30, thereby imparting rigidity to the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10. This makes it easy for a user such as a doctor to operate the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10. From the perspective of user operability, the length of the needle tube 20 is preferably 10 to 20 mm, and more preferably 12.5 to 18.5 mm.

[0036] The material of the needle tube 20 is preferably stainless steel such as SUS304, SUS304L, SUS316, SUS321, SUS430, SUS201, and SUS202. In addition to stainless steel, the needle tube 20 may be made of other metals such as titanium and titanium alloy.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 includes an optical fiber 37 and a pressure receiving portion 38 provided at the tip of the optical fiber 37. Including the pressure receiving portion 38 provided at the tip of the optical fiber 37, at least in the portion of the optical fiber 37 housed inside the needle tube 20, the outer diameter of the optical fiber 37 is smaller than the inner diameter of the needle tube 20. The outer diameter of the optical fiber 37 is preferably, for example, 200 μm or less.

[0038] The tip side of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 is a portion covered by the needle tube 20, and is a portion of a predetermined length from the tip surface of the pressure receiving portion 38 in the portion. The tip side of the optical fiber 37 is a portion covered by the needle tube 20, and is a portion of a predetermined length from the tip of the optical fiber 37 where the pressure receiving portion 38 is provided. At the tip surface of the optical fiber 37, the core and the cladding of the optical fiber 37 are exposed. In addition, with respect to the tip side of the optical fiber 37 (the portion covered by the needle tube 20), it is preferred that the cladding is exposed in a state where the cladding is not covered by the coating 32. On the other hand, the portion of the optical fiber 37 other than the portion housed inside the needle tube 20 is preferably covered by the coating 32 such as the cable 33, the cable sheath 34, the resin tube 35, and the resin coating 36.

[0039] The length of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 from the top end to the base end (connector 31 side) is preferably 2500 to 3100 mm, more preferably 2700 to 2900 mm. Figure 1 As shown, the predetermined length portion of the optical fiber 37 from the base end side may be covered by the connector 31, the cable 33, the cable sheath 34, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined length portion of the optical fiber 37 from the portion covered by the cable sheath 34 may be covered by a resin tube 35 such as fluororesin, and the portion from the portion covered by the resin tube 35 to the base end 23 of the needle tube 20 may be coated with a resin coating 36 such as polyimide. In addition, the optical fiber 37 may be divided into a plurality of portions in the length direction thereof and optically connected using a connector or the like.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a pressure receiving portion 38 is provided at the tip of an optical fiber 37 in the optical fiber pressure sensor 30. The pressure receiving portion 38 is composed of a diaphragm (stainless steel diaphragm, silicon diaphragm, etc.), and the diaphragm is subjected to pressure from gas or liquid, thereby generating displacements such as deformation, deflection, and strain. The optical fiber pressure sensor 30 optically measures the displacement of the pressure receiving portion (diaphragm) caused by pressure.

[0041] As described above, the pressure receiving portion 38 side of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 is covered by the needle tube 20. The pressure receiving portion 38 is housed in the needle tube 20 and is provided at the position of the needle tip 21 in the needle tube 20. Therefore, by puncturing the needle tip 21 of the intraocular pressure measurement probe 10 into the tissue (e.g., vitreous body) of the eye of the inspection object, the intraocular pressure can be measured with very high accuracy using the pressure receiving portion 38 provided at the position of the needle tip 21 in the needle tube 20.

[0042] The optical fiber pressure sensor 30 and the needle tube 20 are fixed by a joint between the optical fiber 30 and the needle tube 20 at the base end 23 side of the needle tube 20. As its structure, for example, it is preferable that Figure 4As shown, on the base end 23 side of the needle tube 20, the optical fiber 37 in the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 and the needle tube 20 are fixed by joints 41, 42, 43, 44 using adhesive, fused silica or welding. The position and number of the joints between the optical fiber 37 and the needle tube 20 are not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and there can be at least one position on the base end 23 side, or multiple positions. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when joints are provided at multiple locations, joints of the same material may be provided at the multiple locations, or joints of a different material may be provided depending on the location (position). Figure 5 As shown, the optical fiber 37 and the pressure receiving portion 38 in the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 are preferably fixed by a joint 45 using an adhesive, welding or the like.

[0043] A Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor can be cited as a preferred specific example of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30. The Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor is an optical fiber pressure sensor 30 that utilizes the principle of Fabry-Perot interferometer.

[0044] Here, the Fabry-Perot interferometer is basically composed of two facing mirrors and a space (Fabry-Perot cavity) between the mirrors. If the light reflected by the reflective surface of the near-front reflector overlaps with the light reflected by the reflective surface of the back reflector, interference occurs due to the phase difference caused by the difference in their optical path lengths. The intensity of the reflected light obtained by interference varies according to the optical path length (cavity length × refractive index) between the two reflective surfaces. Therefore, by making a structure in which the cavity length or refractive index changes, the Fabry-Perot interferometer can be used as a sensor. The light reflected in the Fabry-Perot interferometer is accurately wavelength-modulated according to the cavity length. In order to accurately measure the pressure that affects the cavity length, etc., it is necessary to stably and accurately measure the cavity length. From this point of view, it is preferred to use a white light cross correlator.

[0045] The Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor measures the displacement of the diaphragm caused by pressure as a change in the distance between the reflecting surfaces. Figure 6 As shown, a more preferred Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor 300 is constructed as a micro-optical mechanical system (MOMS) having an optical fiber 37 and a pressure-bearing portion 38 disposed at the top of the optical fiber 37. The MOMS (pressure-bearing portion 38) includes a deformable membrane 381 assembled on a vacuum cavity to form a tiny drum-shaped structure 382. The bottom of the drum-shaped structure 382 and the inner surface of the soft membrane 381 form a Fabry-Perot cavity 383 with a cavity length d. When pressure P is applied, the membrane 381 bends toward the lower part of the drum-shaped structure 382, ​​and the cavity length d is shortened. In this way, Figure 6The Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor 300 shown generates strain in a mirror portion disposed at the tip of an optical fiber 37 in response to pressure changes, and outputs the resulting polarized light as an accurate pressure change based on the Fabry-Perot interferometry.

[0046] A commercially available product can be used as the Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor 300. Examples thereof include the "OPP-M" series manufactured by Opsens and the "FOP-M200" series manufactured by Fiso Technologies.

[0047] Next, an intraocular tonometer according to an embodiment of the present invention including the above-mentioned intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 will be described. Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intraocular pressure meter 50. The intraocular pressure meter 50 includes the intraocular pressure measurement probe 10 and a device body 60. Figure 7 The intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0048] In the intraocular tonometer 50, the intraocular pressure measurement probe 10 is connected to the device body 60 via the connector 31 connected to the optical fiber 37. The device body 60 has a function of converting optical information related to pressure (intraocular pressure) from the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 into an electrical signal and outputting it. As the device body 60, a signal conditioner for receiving and reading information and signals related to pressure (intraocular pressure) from the pressure receiving part 38 of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 through the optical fiber 37 can be used. For example, in the case of using a more appropriate Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor 300 as the optical fiber pressure sensor 30, as the device body 60, a signal conditioner for reading the cavity length d of the Fabry-Perot cavity 383 can be appropriately used.

[0049] The device body 60 such as the signal conditioner described above is connected to the optical fiber pressure sensor 30, so although not shown in the figure, it can have a built-in light source (light emitting device) and a light receiving device. In addition, the device body 60 can have a control unit composed of a CPU, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, etc., a storage unit for storing information of the inspection object, measurement data, etc., and can also be connected to a personal computer (PC such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, etc.) 70 having a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit has the function of controlling the light emitting or light receiving action of the device body 60, and performing a calculation process for converting the optical signal from the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 into an electrical signal and converting it into a pressure measurement value. For example, the storage unit of the device body 60 and the PC 70 can store software (program) for collecting and analyzing signals, and the control unit can read the above software to perform various signal reading, conversion, output, etc. The above software can also have various correction functions such as automatic calibration and automatic recognition of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30.

[0050] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the device body 60 may also include an input device for a user such as a doctor to operate the device body 60, and a display device for displaying the operating state of the device body 60 and the pressure waveform (e.g., a pulse-shaped rectangular wave, etc.) of the optical fiber pressure sensor 30. In such a display device, the pressure (intraocular pressure) can be monitored in real time, and the average value, maximum value, minimum value, etc. within the set measurement time can also be displayed.

[0051] The device body 60 may also include a plurality of connectors 62 for connecting to the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10. Figure 7 Two connectors 62 are shown in the figure, illustrating a structure in which two intraocular pressure measuring probes 10 are connected. By using a plurality of intraocular pressure measuring probes 10 in this way, it is possible to perform measurements at any plurality of locations in the eyeball. For example, by measuring the intraocular pressure on the vitreous side in one channel and measuring the intraocular pressure on the corneal side (anterior chamber side) in another channel, it is possible to perform a more precise inspection while also considering the influence of eyeball tissues such as the cornea.

[0052] Next, use Figure 8 A preferred usage of the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 and the intraocular tonometer 50 including the probe 10 will be described. Figure 8 : is a cross-sectional view of the eyeball for explaining the structure of the eyeball E. Figure 8 As shown, the eyeball E has tissues such as the cornea E1, iris E2, lens E3, anterior chamber E4, posterior chamber E5, ciliary body E6, vitreous body E7, retina E8, choroid E9, sclera E10, anterior chamber angle E11, Schlemm's canal E12, optic nerve head E13 and optic nerve E14.

[0053] The intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 can directly measure the intraocular pressure using the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 having a pressure receiving portion 38 at the position of the needle tip 21 provided in the needle tube 20, and is therefore preferably used in a manner such that the needle tip 21 punctures the vitreous body E7 of the eye of the object of examination. Thus, compared with the case of measuring from the cornea E1 side, it is possible to measure at a position closer to the optic nerve head E13 and the optic nerve E14, thereby enabling the intraocular pressure to be measured with higher accuracy. This is because, as long as it is within the posterior part of the eye, the pressure is considered to be the same value no matter where it is measured. Although the vitreous body E7 is a gel-like tissue, the optical fiber pressure sensor 30 can also measure the pressure (intraocular pressure) through the gel-like tissue.

[0054] As described above, the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 is used by puncturing the tissue of the eyeball E of the inspection object, and is therefore preferably discarded after each use, that is, a disposable item. In addition, the intraocular pressure measuring probe 10 can be operated manually by a user such as a doctor, or can be operated by robot control.

[0055] As described in detail above, in the intraocular pressure measuring probe of the present embodiment, the needle tube with a caliber size of 30G to 34G covers the pressure receiving part side of the optical fiber pressure sensor and accommodates the pressure receiving part inside, and the needle tube and the optical fiber pressure sensor are fixed by a joint between the optical fiber and the needle tube at the base end side of the needle tube. Therefore, the pressure receiving part of the optical fiber pressure sensor can be fixedly arranged at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube. Therefore, by using the intraocular pressure measuring probe of the present embodiment and the intraocular tonometer equipped with the probe, the needle tip in the intraocular pressure measuring probe is punctured into the tissue of the eye of the inspection object, so that the intraocular pressure of the inspection object can be measured with low invasiveness and higher accuracy using the pressure receiving part at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube. By using the intraocular pressure measuring probe, the intraocular pressure can be measured with high accuracy compared to the case of using the conventional applanation tonometer. In addition, the conventional applanation tonometer can measure easily and is therefore suitable for screening and daily examinations. Therefore, the intraocular pressure measuring probe and the intraocular pressure meter are suitable for precise intraocular pressure examinations.

[0056] For example, in the intraocular pressure measurement performed using a conventional tonometer, when a measurement result suspicious of glaucoma or the like appears, if such a measurement result still appears after a certain period of continued observation, the intraocular pressure meter equipped with the intraocular pressure measurement probe of this embodiment can be appropriately used as a precise intraocular pressure examination. In addition, for example, in the intraocular pressure measurement performed using a conventional tonometer, when a symptom suspicious of glaucoma appears although the measurement result is not abnormal, the intraocular pressure meter equipped with the intraocular pressure measurement probe of this embodiment can be appropriately used as a precise intraocular pressure examination.

[0057] Furthermore, ophthalmic surgery is always aware of the change in intraocular pressure and is performed in a manner to maintain a certain intraocular pressure. Therefore, in order to monitor the intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery, an intraocular pressure meter equipped with the intraocular pressure measuring probe of this embodiment can be used. In addition, for glaucoma, which currently has no radical treatment but only a treatment method to reduce intraocular pressure, the use of the intraocular pressure measuring probe and intraocular pressure meter of this embodiment may lead to a new treatment method, and such a medical contribution is also expected.

[0058] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention described above can adopt the following structures.

[0059] [1] A probe for measuring intraocular pressure, wherein:

[0060] This intraocular pressure measurement probe has:

[0061] An optical fiber pressure sensor having a pressure receiving portion at the top end of the optical fiber; and

[0062] a needle tube covering the pressure receiving portion of the optical fiber pressure sensor and accommodating the pressure receiving portion therein;

[0063] The needle tube has a needle tip at its top end for puncturing the inspection object, and the caliber of the needle tube is 30G to 34G.

[0064] The pressure receiving portion is arranged at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube.

[0065] The optical fiber pressure sensor and the needle tube are fixed by a joint portion between the optical fiber and the needle tube on the base end side of the needle tube.

[0066] [2] The intraocular pressure measuring probe according to [1] above, wherein:

[0067] The optical fiber pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor.

[0068] [3] The intraocular pressure measuring probe according to [1] or [2] above, wherein:

[0069] The angle of the blade surface of the needle tip in the needle tube is 5° to 40°.

[0070] [4] The intraocular pressure measuring probe according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein:

[0071] The intraocular pressure measuring probe is used in such a manner that the needle tip punctures the vitreous body of the eye of the inspection object.

[0072] [5] An intraocular tonometer, wherein:

[0073] This intraocular tonometer includes the intraocular pressure measurement probe according to any one of [1] to [4] above.

[0074] Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 10. Probe for measuring intraocular pressure; 20. Needle tube; 21. Needle tip; 22. Blade surface; 30. Optical fiber pressure sensor; 37. Optical fiber; 38. Pressure receiving part; 50. Intraocular pressure meter; 60. Device body.

Claims

1. A probe for measuring intraocular pressure, wherein: This intraocular pressure measurement probe has: An optical fiber pressure sensor having a pressure receiving portion at the top end of the optical fiber; and a needle tube covering the pressure receiving portion of the optical fiber pressure sensor and accommodating the pressure receiving portion therein; The needle tube has a needle tip at its top end for puncturing the inspection object, and the caliber of the needle tube is 30G to 34G. The pressure receiving portion is arranged at the position of the needle tip in the needle tube. The optical fiber pressure sensor and the needle tube are fixed by a joint portion between the optical fiber and the needle tube on the base end side of the needle tube.

2. The intraocular pressure measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein: The optical fiber pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot optical fiber pressure sensor.

3. The intraocular pressure measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein: The angle of the blade surface of the needle tip in the needle tube is 5° to 40°.

4. The intraocular pressure measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein: The intraocular pressure measuring probe is used in such a manner that the needle tip punctures the vitreous body of the eye of the inspection object.

5. An intraocular tonometer, wherein: This intraocular tonometer includes the intraocular pressure measuring probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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