Precision Vision now offers a lamp filter tube for a 85 cd/m² light level in its ETDRS Illuminator Cabinets™ to match the 2006 ISO standard, which applies specifically to testing of multifocal lenses.

CONTENTS

• New Illumination option for the ETDRS Illuminator Cabinets™
• Featured Products
• Upcoming Meetings
• Share Your Stories with Us

New Illumination option for the ETDRS Illuminator Cabinets™

Precision Vision announces a new accessory for its ETDRS Illuminator Cabinets™ (Cat. No. 2425) that will change the light level of from the standard 160 cd/m² to 85 cd/m².

The 85 cd/m² level is achieved by sliding a calibrated filter tube (Cat. No 2427D85) over each existing fluorescent tube, as shown in the illustration.  This solution applies to all of our existing as well as to all of our new ETDRS illuminator cabinets.

The filter tubes are guaranteed to maintain their properties for one year (defined as ten hours a day for 365 days).  It takes only about one minute to install the filter tubes, which cost only $45.00 per cabinet.

Since most clinical trials replace bulbs after one year the replacement schedule for the bulb and filter are a perfect match. This is a terrific solution compared to replacing an existing cabinet or purchasing other brands that can cost $1,000.00 or more of additional expense to achieve the same light level.

Background

Since Precision Vision started to make the trans-illumination cabinets for the original ETDRS study, they have been calibrated for the internationally recommended brightness of 160 cd/m².

The 160 cd/m² level was recommended for general use in the 1984 Visual Acuity Measurement Standard and repeated in subsequent standards.  These standards allow a 2x latitude in either direction, from 80 cd/m² to 320 cd/m² .

For normal eyes, increasing the chart luminance from 80 cd/m² to 160 cd/m² or from 160 cd/m² to 320 cd/m² increases the average visual acuity by about 1 letter on an ETDRS chart.  For clinical use this is negligible, since it is less than the normal test-retest variability (95% CI = 5 or 6 letters).

Special studies

For special purpose studies other levels may be recommended.

When the emphasis is on retinal changes (as it was in the ETDRS or Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study), one may want to minimize refractive effects by keeping the pupil narrow.  This can be helped by using a higher chart brightness.  The original description of the Illuminator cabinets for the ETDRS mentioned 345 cd/m².

On the other hand, when the emphasis is on optical changes (as it is when testing intraocular lenses), one may want to optimize the detection of refractive effects by using a wide pupil, which can be helped by lowering the chart brightness.  For lenses with concentric zones, a wide pupil also ensures that all lens zones are used.  These are reasons IOL studies generally recommend a chart brightness at the lower end of the allowable range.  The 2006 ISO standard, which applies specifically to testing of multifocal lenses recommends 85 cd/m² with an acceptable range from 80 cd/m² to 160 cd/m².  Most FDA studies follow this recommendation.

Mesopic tests

In addition to now offering a choice between 160 cd/m² and 85 cd/m², Precision Vision continues to offer a chart filter (Cat. No. 2424) that reduces the chart luminance to 3 cd/m² for mesopic measurements.  When measuring at the mesopic level, special attention must be given to the room luminance, since peripheral light sources may affect the level of dark adaptation.

Featured Products

85 cd/m² Lamp Filter Tube

Set of two filter tubes for converting existing light levels on your ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet from the standard 160 cd/m² to 85 cd/m². Slides over the existing fluorescent lamps.

The filter tubes are guaranteed to maintain their properties for one year (defined as ten hours a day for 365 days). It takes only about one minute to install the filter tubes.

Click Here to learn more about the 85 cd/m² Lamp Filter Tube

Replacement lamp for Cat. No. 2425. Order this for cabinets purchased after Nov 2008

Each Illuminator Cabinet uses 2 lamps and it is recommended that both lamps be replaced at the same time. Cabinets manufactured after November 2008 have lamps which include the fenestrated sleeve mounted onto each lamp. Order this for replacement in cabinets that do not have removable metal sleeve on the the lamps.

Click Here to learn more about the Replacement lamp for Cat. No. 2425. Order this for cabinets purchased after Nov 2008

Large mesopic Filter for 2425 ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet

Placed in front of a vision test chart, this filter reduces normal cabinet light level down to 3 cd/m² to challenge the patient's vision at low light conditions. It is an easy and quick way to test low vision and low lighting problems and does not require moving to different rooms, calculating, or reorganizing the office. Mesopic filter is light, easy to use, and creates an accurate low vision test.

Click Here to learn more about the Large mesopic Filter for 2425 ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet

ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet

The first and still the world standard for retro illumination of vision testiing charts. Retro Illuminated cabinet is available in two colors for coordination with clinical settings. Illuminator cabinet is also available in different voltages for world wide use.

Product Features:

• National Eye Institute and FDA approved and recommended
• CE compliant
• Standardized uniform retro illumination for all 62 X 65 cm (24.5 X 25.5 in.) ETDRS charts
• Used for clinical trials or general office use
• Charts for several distances and optotypes in high and low contrast available
• Chart storage pocket in back
• Available in Traditional Beige, or New Cobalt Black
• Measures 63 X 65.5 X 17.8 cm (24.75 X 25.75 X 7 in.)
• Can be used with Adjustable Caster Base (CAT. NO. 2426)
• Can be wall-mounted

All translucent Contrast Sensitivity vision tests are highly recommended with this cabinet for accurate results. ETDRS Illumination cabinet is supported and approved by the NEI and FDA.

Effective May 12, 2008, Precision Vision® completed testing and documentation requirements and received CE approval for the ETDRS Illuminator Cabinets™ to be used in Hospitals, Clinics and Doctors offices throughout the European Union. All ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet™ accessories (charts, bases, lamps, and filters) are also CE compliant

Click Here to learn more about the ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet

Upcoming Meetings

Precision Vision® will be at the following meetings. If you are attending one and want to avoid unnecessary shipping costs and delays, we'd be happy to bring small portable products to the meeting. Place your order online or call us at 800-772-9211. Just be sure to tell us which meeting to hold the products for.

Share Your Stories With Us!

Precision Vision® wants to hear your stories. Tell us how you are impacting the industry. Do you have an interesting story to share about a Precision Vision® product? Contact us and we may use it in a future newsletter.