The Vx120 (from Visionix, UK distributor Grafton Optical) is a multifunction desktop instrument capable of a wide range of tests (figure 1).
These include:
- Autorefraction
- Keratometry
- Aberrometry
- Topography
- Pupillometry
- Non-contact tonometry
- Pachymetry
Each test is easily undertaken using a touchscreen interface and the instrument can analyse data for screening for dry eye, cataract and glaucoma as well as accommodative capability and refraction shifts in various lighting environments.
Primary care practice
Karen Vermeulen is an optometrist who works at Osborne Harle, an independent community eye care practice in Tonbridge, Kent (figure 2). ‘It is more of a medical practice as opposed to a commercial practice,’ she explained. ‘We do community ophthalmology, emergency appointments and, of course, the normal eye test side of things. My role is to perform sight tests and we focus on delivering a comprehensive service to all our patients. We have a very varied patient base, from very small children to really elderly folk, and everything in between.
Figure 2
‘The Vx120 is very user-friendly and easy to operate. Data is easily interpreted and transferred. I use this piece of equipment on almost every patient (possibly with the exception of very small children due to compliance). I use it as a screening and diagnostic tool for glaucoma, cataracts, visual defects and corneal disease. I always use it as my main non-contact tonometer and autorefractor.
‘I use the Scheimpflug anterior option when performing pachymetry. The Vx 120 captures a slit section of the cornea (figure 3) and displays the thickness of the cornea as well as measuring the angle. This allows me to adapt the IOP values. As a matter of fact, the Vx120 provides both sets of readings for me; IOP without the corneal thickness and another where it has been taken into account.’
Figure 3
The more specialised testing functions are less used but, Vermeulen explains, still have some merit. ‘The aberrometry function is useful for detecting keratoconus and aids in the adjustment of contact lenses.’ Combined with the topography function, the whole spectrum of contact lens work is possible.
‘The pupillometry function allows us to determine the refractive error in scotopic and photopic conditions. This is probably most useful for performing refractive surgery, but I occasionally use it too.’
Final thoughts
‘I am thoroughly impressed by the Vx120. The instrument gives so much information in such a short time scale. The results are accurate and reliable. It’s easy to use and fulfils all my requirements, whether as a screening and diagnostic tool, or for more complex cases.
‘It provides all the tests for all the patients, so yes I would definitely recommend it.’
Further information from graftonoptical.com.