Heine Glauco test

Historical Significance: The Heine Glauco test is a hand held applanation tonometer. Fluorescein is added to the conjunctival sac and a battery-operated illuminating system produces blue light. The instrument has a cone-shaped tip, through which the ring of contact is observed. The tip has an engraved line, which is viewed as blue, and the ring of contact appears yellow. The cone is held vertically, and the weight of the cone is taken by the cornea. The weight of the cone is calibrated for one pressure level. When viewed correctly, the yellow ring of contact and the blue line are simultaneously visible. If the blue line lies wholly within the ring, the patient's IOP is less than that for which the cone is calibrated; if the line cuts the ring, the IOP is greater; and if the line just touches the inner edge of the ring, the IOP equals the calibrated pressure. A series of cones are available, calibrated for pressures ranging from 18 to 30 Hg. Cross-infection is prevented by the use of replaceable sterile tips. The cost of the instrument for the full set was $750. See I.A. Chisholm, Management and Diagnosis of Glaucoma for the Family Physician Can Fam Physician 1990; 36:735-738.). HEINE Optotechnik is a well known manufacturer of medical diagnostic instruments. It was was founded in 1946 by Helmut A. Heine, a physicist whose goal was to develop and build medical diagnostic instruments .