- Unlike applanation tonometers, which are influenced by corneal thickness and other characteristics of the cornea, and hence may produce misleading estimates of IOP, the PASCAL provides an accurate, direct measurement of true IOP which is independent of inter-individual variations in corneal properties and biomechanics.
- Corneal thickness is one factor that influences applanation tonometers (but not the PASCAL). However, mechanical properties such as the stiffness and elasticity of the cornea influence the force required for applanating the cornea much more profoundly. This is why correction nomograms for corneal thickness do not work and may yield misleading results.
- IOP measurement is accurate even on post-LASIK and keratoconic eyes.
- LASIK and surface ablation techniques such as PRK affect the mechanical properties of the cornea profoundly. Once the Bowman membrane is dissected (LASIK) or even removed (PRK), corneal biomechanics are altered forever. As a result, applanation tonometers will deliver readings which are way too low. The PASCAL, on the other hand, cannot be fooled.
- PASCAL detects and accurately measures the dynamic fluctuations in IOP and thus permits a more detailed assessment of the pressure range to which the eye is subjected due to pulsatile ocular blood flow.
- In fact, PASCAL measures both the diastolic and the systolic IOP. The value displayed on PASCAL's LCD as "IOP" corresponds actually to the diastolic IOP by definition. The difference between systolic and diastolic IOP is called the Ocular Pulse Amplitude (OPA) and is automatically computed and displayed with each measurement.
- Silicone tip covers ("SensorCaps") prevent cross-contamination and eliminate possibility of corneal abrasion, even with an inexperienced user.
- The SensorCap also protects the delicate SensorTip from mechanical damage. It does away with the need to sterilize tonometer tips, which is an almost impossible task with new regulations.
- Convenient documentation and visualization of IOP curve with optional wireless printer or PASCAL DataWizard PC software.
- In the modern medical office, documentation of all diagnostic tests in an electronic database is a standard requirement. PASCAL is the only tonometer that offers that capability, either by means of PASCALS proprietary DataWizard software, or by providing a link into many commercial EMR (electronic medical records) packages.
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