Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss, affects one in 17 people aged 40 or over. Noncontact tonometers are used in the screening and treatment of glaucoma.

With a noncontact tonometer, an air puff nozzle built into the center of an objective lens is placed very close to the surface of the patient's eye. A puff of air is then blown at the center of the cornea and measurements are taken. Since the patient's eye is constantly moving, it is difficult for the operator to align the machine manually. Canon's TX-F Full Auto Tonometer is a revolutionary device in that it allows the operator to rapidly measure the intraocular pressure of both eyes automatically, with one simple press of the start button. Over the course of achieving full automation of the intraocular pressure measurement procedure, Canon developed the following technologies.

1. Rough auto-alignment drive technology that quickly and safely identifies the patient's eye within a wide field of view

2. Fine auto-alignment drive technology that, even with eye movement, quickly and precisely identifies the correct position of the apex of the cornea

3. Safe drive-control technology that avoids the hazards of bringing the air puff nozzle too close to the patient's eye

4. 3D-drive technology to ensure the smooth transport of the measurement unit (objective lens)

The TX-F, which enables safe, precise tonometry with extremely simple operation, is being adopted not only by ophthalmic hospitals, but is also being used in regular physical checkups and in scanning for lifestyle diseases.