In-Office Procedures · Diagnostic
IDRA Dry Eye Platform (SBM Sistemi and Reichert Technologies)
A fully automated multi-parameter dry eye platform that captures auto interferometry, 3D meibography, NIBUT, tear meniscus height, and blink quality from a single 15-second sequence, aligned with the TFOS DEWS III diagnostic framework.
Key points
- Manufacturer direct through Reichert Technologies in the US.
- Captures interferometry, 3D meibography, NIBUT, meniscus, and blink in one short sequence.
- Evaluates all three tear film layers in a single automated instrument.
- 3D gland imaging and a color severity dashboard support patient education.
What it does
The IDRA (SBM Sistemi, Italy; US distribution by Reichert Technologies) is a comprehensive, automated dry eye diagnostic workstation. From a single patient positioning, it captures and auto-analyzes:
- Auto Interferometry, automated lipid layer thickness (LLT) analysis in four results from a 15-second video; color-coded using the Guillon grading scale
- Automated 3D Meibography, infrared imaging of upper and lower lid meibomian glands with automated gland loss percentage and 3D rotatable gland model
- Auto NIBUT, non-invasive tear breakup time with NIBUT stability map and graph showing tear film stability trend over the video
- Tear Meniscus Height, automated measurement directly from the interferometry video
- Blink Evaluation, detects incomplete blinks and blink dynamics; critical for contact lens wearers and screen users
- Ocular Redness Classification, bulbar and limbal redness grading
- Protocol Customization, clinician-defined exam protocols with automated next-step treatment suggestions configurable to the practice's own equipment and products
The IDRA X (2026 iteration) adds full eye-tracking automation and requires near-zero operator input during capture.
Why it belongs in a dry eye practice
IDRA evaluates all three tear film layers (lipid, aqueous, mucin) and the meibomian glands in a single instrument, replacing the need for multiple devices at a lower cost per parameter than purchasing standalone units. The 3D gland imagery and color-coded severity dashboard are particularly effective for patient education and improving treatment acceptance. It can be delegated to a trained technician, freeing the clinician for interpretation and treatment planning.
Clinical evidence
- Ocular Surface Workup with IDRA, SBM Sistemi publication (2021), Automated non-invasive ocular surface diagnostic workup with IDRA represents a reliable and reproducible method for diagnosing MGD and DED subtypes. SBM Sistemi IDRA device page
- Practitioner case study, "How I Instituted the IDRA Dry Eye System" (2021), Protocol-based integration into clinical practice showing IDRA made "dry eye diagnosis, case presentation, and patient treatment acceptance infinitely easier." SBM Sistemi publication PDF
- Corneal Physician dry eye diagnostics review (2024), IDRA identified alongside the Keratograph 5M as a multi-parameter dry eye platform offering a complete ocular surface workup in one instrument. Corneal Physician
- Reichert Technologies partnership announcement (2023), Reichert named as US exclusive distributor, calling IDRA "the world's most complete system for supporting dry eye diagnosis." Reichert Technologies news
Manufacturer & US Distributor
Availability
IDRA is available manufacturer-direct through Reichert Technologies in the US. Contact Reichert for pricing, demo scheduling, and financing. Dry Eye Rescue can connect you with the Reichert team through Provider Relations.
Sources are linked inline above. Device descriptions reference FDA clearance status, published peer-reviewed studies, and manufacturer data. Clinical outcomes are not a guarantee of individual results. Review full prescribing information, the IFU, and FDA clearance documentation for each device before use.
