Non-invasive
Ambient air delivered at a set pressure is the stimulus on the ocular surface.
In-Office Procedures · Diagnostic Device
Corneal Esthesiometer Brill Non-contact corneal sensitivity testing.
The Corneal Esthesiometer Brill is a portable, non-invasive esthesiometer that assesses corneal sensitivity with controlled pulses of air. It is designed to help detect a loss of corneal sensitivity, support earlier treatment and evaluate how well treatment is working.
5Stimulus levels
2.5 to 10 mbarPressure range
600 gHand-held weight
10 yearsEquipment lifespan
How it works
How the esthesiometer works
The esthesiometer delivers pulses of air at five pressure levels to the corneal surface. The patient reports when they feel the pulse, and the level at which they first perceive it reflects corneal sensitivity.
Non-contact
Nothing touches the cornea, so it can be used in patients with infectious corneal pathologies.
Electronic positioning
A camera and two IR LEDs converge into a single point on the cornea to confirm the correct testing distance.
Observer-independent
Intra- and inter-observer differences were not statistically significant in a 91-subject multicenter study.
Renedo Laguna et al. 2025The device
A compact hand-held unit with an integrated slit lamp adapter.
- Five stimulus levels
- Hand-held or slit lamp mounted
- Rechargeable battery with charging dock
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Hand-held or slit lamp
Use it in one hand with the thumb on the controls, or mount it on a standard slit lamp.
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Live display
The rear screen shows the eye image, the selected stimulus level and the measured pressure in millibars.
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Remote control
A wired remote selects the stimulus level and fires air pulses.
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No calibration
The pressure sensor is digitally compensated and calibrated in production. The device needs no calibration or routine maintenance.
The test
Testing workflow
No anesthesia is needed. The test starts at the lowest level and steps up until the patient perceives the stimulus.
Prepare
Seat the patient upright with glasses off, blinking and breathing normally. Contact lens wearers should be out of their lenses for at least 24 hours. A pulse on the back of the hand shows what to expect.
Position
Hold the device vertically or mount it on the slit lamp, then move in or out until the two LEDs converge into a single point on the cornea.
Stimulate
Start at level 1 and fire when the shoot button is steady green. Step up one level at a time until the patient reports feeling the air pulse.
Specifications and safety information
Technical specifications
| Model | 002 |
|---|---|
| Stimulus levels | 5 |
| Pressure range | Approximately 2.5 to 10 mbar |
| Display unit | Millibars (mbar) |
| Esthesiometer dimensions | 56 mm W x 203 mm H x 135 mm L |
| Esthesiometer weight | 600 g |
| Charging dock | 70 mm W x 114 mm H x 123 mm L, 560 g |
| Battery | 2 lithium-ion cells in series, 3.6 V each; replace approximately every 2 years |
| Operating conditions | 10 to 35 °C, 30% to 90% relative humidity |
| Equipment lifespan | 10 years |
| In the case | Esthesiometer, charging dock, power adaptor, remote control, instructions for use |
| Guarantee | 2 years from invoice date |
Indications for use
Corneal Esthesiometer Brill is a non-invasive device designed to assess the corneal sensitivity of the human eye by healthcare professionals (ophthalmologists and eye health staff) for aid in diagnosis of impairment of corneal sensation. It can detect an alteration in corneal sensitivity and help healthcare professionals determine whether current treatment is effective.
Contraindications
- There are no contraindications when used as intended by the manufacturer.
- In post-surgery scenarios, use is determined by the ophthalmologist.
- Use only on patients who can communicate whether they feel the air pulse.
Warnings and precautions
- For use by qualified healthcare personnel only.
- The esthesiometer must not come into contact with the patient's eyes.
- Use upright with the nozzle facing forward, never tilted upwards or downwards.
- Do not use anesthesia on the eye. It is not necessary for the examination and can alter the results.
- Do not use the device if it is wet or if ambient humidity is over 90%.
- Do not use near flammable substances.
- Interference is possible within 1 m of a device generating high-intensity electromagnetic emissions, such as a mobile phone.
Common questions about Corneal Esthesiometer Brill
What does corneal esthesiometry measure?
The cornea's sensitivity to a stimulus. The corneal epithelium has the highest density of free nerve endings of any tissue in the body, supplied mainly by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Which conditions can alter corneal sensitivity?
Eye surgery such as LASIK, LASEK and corneal cross-linking, diabetic keratopathy, herpes simplex keratitis, dry eye disease, neurotrophic keratopathy, keratoconus, contact lens wear and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy.
How does corneal sensitivity change in dry eye?
Dry eye can begin with increased nerve density and hypersensitivity in the early stages, followed by reduced nerve density and hyposensitivity as the disease progresses.
Does the test need anesthesia?
No. Anesthesia is not necessary for the examination and can alter the results.
How does it compare with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer?
Its pressures are based on those of the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. In a comparison study the two devices showed good agreement and a comparable range in healthy and dry eyes, but their values are not interchangeable.
Can I order it through Dry Eye Rescue?
The esthesiometer is sold directly by Brill Engines. Contact Brill Engines for purchasing and training.
Peer-reviewed clinical studies
Corneal sensitivity testing without touching the cornea
A portable, non-contact esthesiometer with five stimulus levels, used hand-held or on the slit lamp.
Corneal Esthesiometer Brill is a trademark of Brill Engines. Review the full manufacturer instructions for use, including all warnings, precautions and contraindications, before use. Individual results vary.
