Limitations of the TheraMon® -microsensor in monitoring occlusion therapy

Purpose A proof of principle study showed that the TheraMon®-microsensor can reliably measure wearing times of glasses and occlusion patches while having no discomfort for the bearer. The goal of this study was to identify specific temperature profiles in a larger patient group wearing the microsensor with an occlusion patch on the eye, the forehead or in the trouser pocket. Methods Temperature measurements with microsensors were performed at the orbital rim of the eye, at the forehead and in a trousers pocket of 20 healthy adults. The temperature measurements were analysed comparing the three locations using a repeated-measures anova with a 0.050 two-sided significance level. Results There was no significant temperature difference in wearing the microsensors at the orbital rim compared to forehead (p = 0.507). A significant difference could be detected if the microsensors had been in trousers pockets as compared to being positioned at orbital rim/forehead (p = 0.001). The study participants reported easy handling and comfortable wearing. Conclusion This study demonstrates for the first time that TheraMon®-microsensors are fully operational in monitoring occlusion therapy in a larger group of patients (20 adult study participants). Because of the microsensor's ease of handling further studies in a larger group of children is recommended.