iCare, a subsidiary of Revenio Group, is introducing new updates to the iCare Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA) microperimeter.
First, a company refresh.
Launched in 2003—with iCare USA headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina—iCare is an advanced healthcare technology company that provides medical devices product line for screening and diagnosing ocular diseases.
Included in this portfolio are devices in the following categories:
- Retinal imaging
- Rebound tonometers
- Fundus perimeters
- Microperimeters
For a deep dive into the iCare product line, click here.
Next, talk about microperimetry.
To understand microperimetry, you’ll need to know about perimetry: This is a visual field (VF) test that plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring diseases (glaucoma, neurological, and retinal) and is also critical for detecting and monitoring macular disease.
- In other words: Perimetry detects peripheral vision loss.
Comparatively: Microperimetry—also known as fundus-controlled perimetry—measures VF sensitivity while simultaneously viewing the fundus, combining retinal sensitivity mapping, fixation analysis, and fundus imaging in one exam.
- In other words: Microperimetry uses eye tracking and retinal imaging.
Got it. Now talk about the iCare MAIA.
This is a microperimetry-based diagnostic device used to detect and manage diseases impacting the macula—including macular degeneration.
What it does: Combines VF tests, fixation loss correction via a real-time 25 Hz retinal tracker, and nonmydriatic confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) fundus imaging in one exam.
Its key features include:
- Auto-alignment and focus (– 15 D to +10 D) capabilities
- Intuitive-based user interface with wide touchscreen monitor
- Preprogrammed and custom microperimetry tests
- Confocal infrared and TruColor imaging
Go on …
Also incorporated in this microperimetry system are:
- Preprogrammed and custom tests
- Sensitivity and fixation indexes, illustrative sensitivity, and fixation maps
- 2.5 mm minimum pupil size
- Quick testing time (3 minutes per eye)
Plus: The S-MAIA model—designed for scotopic testing—enables clinicians to identify and explain the disease-sensitivity relationship of dark-adapted photoreceptor cells.
- When in the scotopic mode, the projected stimulation colors can be set to either cyan or red
- Cyan test: Stimulates rod photoreceptors (primarily) and measures their sensitivity
- Red test: Measures red cone photoreceptor response (with no interference)
Nice! So about this updated version ….
Important to note: The new iCare MAIA perimeter includes all the features we mentioned (and see here for even more) in addition to:
- A renewed hardware platform with fully automated operations
- 15-inch multi-touch display
- 60° TrueColor field of view
According to the company: “The auto-alignment capability is especially useful as it keeps the device aligned with the eye under exam, compensating for head movements throughout the test.”
Any other notable upgrades?
Of note: The system’s onboard grid editor enables clinicians to create customized test patterns, “ensuring higher flexibility for the execution of custom protocols for patient-specific testing,” iCare stated.
- As for data collection: The updated MAIA device can also import data from previous MAIA models and use that data as a reference for follow-up exams—ideally, “guaranteeing full continuity with clinical historical data.”
Speaking of previous models … talk compatibility.
All versions of the MAIA can not only be integrated into new generations of the device but are also compatible with previous generations—specifically in relation to exam parameters, test outcomes, and data format.
Also: Based on clinical validation, iCare noted "equivalent sensitivity results in mesopic testing” for the new devices versus previous generations.
Nice! So when will this new version be available?
Commercial launch is expected in Q1 2025, iCare confirmed.
- Translation: Sometime between now and the end of March.
Click here to inquire about purchasing the product.