Questions and answers
about eyemate®

Questions and answers about eyemate®

With eyemate® you as a glaucoma patient can measure your intraocular pressure yourself and support your targeted glaucoma therapy.
On this page we provide you with the most frequently asked questions and answers under the individual pop-up points.

Questions about the implant

How big is the implant?
The thickness of the implant is less than half a millimeter. The diameter depends on the patient’s eye the maximum size is 12 millimeters.

Where exactly is the implant placed?
The implant is placed behind the iris. It cannot be seen or felt there.

What does the implant consist of?
It consists of proven biocompatible material, in particular the microsensor and a gold structure that functions as antenna. The tiny sensor system is embedded in high-quality and strictly controlled silicone which is been used in medical implants for a long time.

Does the pressure sensor come into contact with the tissue of the eye?
The pressure sensor is embedded in highly compatible silicone, being the only part having contact to the surrounding tissue.

Does the implant cause pain?
No. The implant is usually not being perceived in the eye, just as an artificial lens.

Can you see the implant?
If the pupil is dilated to a maximum (e.g. after eye drops at the ophthalmologist), you may be able to see a small part of the implant. In everyday life, however, it is not visible, but disappears completely behind the iris.

Does the implant obstruct vision?
No, the sensor ring sits completely behind the iris, leaving the so-called "optical axis" (through pupil and lens) completely free.

Does the implant contain a battery?
There is no battery in the implant that needs to be charged or replaced. The implant is only active for the measurement once the reader is held in front of the eye and the measurement process is started.

How does the implant receive its current?
During measurement, the reader generates a very weak current flow in the sensor coil which - shielded by the plastic sleeve - enables the measurement and transmits the data to the reader.

How long does the implant last?
The implant has a life-long, maintenance-free durability. It is designed to remain in the eye permanently.

Can the implant also be removed?
If really necessary, the implant can be removed at any time with an uncomplicated outpatient procedure.

Questions about the data

What data is collected?
Upon measurement only intraocular pressure, date and time are recorded.

How does data transfer work?
The data is transferred wirelessly from the implant to the reader and stored there. The data from the reader can be stored external at any time by the Patient.

Who has access to the measured data?
The measured data is only stored in the reader. You can make the data accessible to your ophthalmologist at your next visit. Important: As a patient, you have full control over your data at all times.

Questions about surgery

How is eyemate® used?
The eyemate® pressure sensor for glaucoma patients is inserted into the eye during cataract surgery alongside with the artificial lens. No separate operation is necessary for the placement of the small pressure sensor. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures worldwide: Every year approximately 800,000 operations are performed in Germany alone on the eye for cataract*.
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* Lenk, Volker / Schuster, Alexander: "Augenkrankheiten - Zahlen für Deutschland" [ LINK ] (abgerufen am 04.04.2019)


What does the surgery look like?
In cataract surgery the cloudy natural lens behind the iris is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. During the same surgery the small eyemate® sensor is placed behind the iris, but in front of the implanted artificial lens.

Can you feel anything in the eye?
Experience has shown that patients do not consciously perceive either the artificial lens or the eyemate® sensor after the operation. Since the sensor is completely covered by the iris, it is not seen from the outside.

How much does eyemate® cost for patients?

eyemate®  is yet not part of the national health system or private health insurance companies. Please refer to your certified eyemate® centre.
eyemate®

For a good quality of life despite glaucoma - intraocular pressure self-measurement for glaucoma patients
eyemate® is CE certified for use in open-angle glaucoma patients during cataract surgery and for patients undergoing Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) surgery.
Site Update: 08 2022
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