Design of pneumatic pressure nozzle for portable non-contact tonometer
摘要
This study aimed to develop a highly portable noncontact tonometer (NCT) by designing a new nozzle geometry that effectively induces corneal deformation under low air pressure. Numerical analysis and digital image correlation (DIC) validated the design by confirming consistency between experimental and computational results, with only a 5.26 % error. A single-channel nozzle was fabricated, and an artificial cornea (elastic modulus: 270 ± 20 kPa) was used for testing. Key design parameters taper angle and inlet diameter were analyzed, showing that a 10-degree taper and 6 mm inlet diameter increased corneal deformation threefold (0.52 mm) compared to the single-channel nozzle under identical conditions. These findings demonstrate the nozzle’s ability to induce significant corneal deformation at low pressure, enabling miniaturization and weight reduction of the pressure generation module. This research supports optimizing portable NCTs, enhancing their utility and accessibility.