Dr. María Iglesias, Barraquer collaborator, obtains a new award for her LASIK tonometer

12/04/2024

Dr. María Iglesias, Barraquer's external teaching collaborator and former resident of our center, has won the second prize of the Winning Pitch Challenge Awards among innovators from around the world who competed in this contest. She obtained the award, presented at the Eyecelerator ASCRS Annual meeting (American Society of Corneal and Refractive Surgery), thanks to her invention of the LASIK tonometer.

The doctor was “very satisfied with this recognition. I also appreciate the collaboration and support received from a multitude of entities, including the invaluable participation of Barraquer."

During her research, she highlighted the use of the Goldmann applanation tonometer to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), but noted that this does not work as well after laser procedures. The LASIK tonometer aims to fill this gap. The study led by Dr. Iglesias demonstrates that this new tonometer increases the precision in measuring IOP after laser refractive surgery.

This new device can be inserted into the slit lamp, making the daily lives of ophthalmologists easier. Currently, it is manufactured for research purposes, but Dr. Iglesias points out that the goal is to begin distributing it next year. There are also more than four clinical trials underway, with several public hospitals and private eye clinics in Spain.