Anyone have experience with this distometer?

**AustinEyewear** · 07-19-2011, 02:58 PM

Any one have experience using this "affordable" version of the distometer?

http://west-op.com/distometer5183.html

Is this more expensive one worth the premium price ?

http://west-op.com/distometer.html

**Barry Santini** · 07-19-2011, 04:56 PM

I use the *premium* one for all my VDs. Terrific!

B

**Judy Canty** · 07-19-2011, 07:53 PM

Yeah, the less expensive one looks....less expensive.

**AustinEyewear** · 07-20-2011, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by Barry Santini

I use the *premium* one for all my VDs. Terrific!

B

Do you find the premium one heavy?

I was sort of wondering if the plastic one could be lighter, and possibly easier to handle, especially since it is right up against the patients eye. I was also wondering if the patient might feel more comfortable with a plastic object, rather than a metal object getting near their eye....

**Robert Martellaro** · 07-20-2011, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by AustinEyewear

Do you find the premium one heavy?

No.

Note that the device says 'House of Vision'. Mine is chrome plated, and says

"Distometer"
By
The House of Vision
Chicago, ILL
Pat. Pending

Don't forget to add 1mm for lid thickness.

**braheem24** · 07-20-2011, 12:00 PM

I'm still waiting for my Rodenstock CVD to arrive... Measures vertex by using prism alignment.

The ultimate in geek wear.

**Barry Santini** · 07-20-2011, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by braheem24

I'm still waiting for my Rodenstock CVD to arrive... Measures vertex by using prism alignment.

The ultimate in geek wear.

Already have an older version of it.

Not so great. Maybe the new one is better

**uncut** · 07-20-2011, 05:18 PM

Yes, the more expensive one is more easily disinfected. The cheaper plastic one will harbour bacteria more readily, and as the surface scuffs up, the appearance will be poor and even more difficult to clean. IMO.

**chip anderson** · 07-20-2011, 07:20 PM

All the bacteria present in that make up and God knows what on the lid and your worried about bugs on a distometer?
You're not breaking any skin or tissue here.

**Striderswife** · 07-20-2011, 08:19 PM

I've used the premium one, and it's not too heavy. It feels precise. I'd think that after a while, the less expensive one could warp, or lose its markings from wear. From a patient point of view, I might be more impressed by the premium one. It doesn't look like something your lab just gave you, or you picked up off a table at a trade show. :/

**AustinEyewear** · 07-21-2011, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by uncut

Yes, the more expensive one is more easily disinfected. The cheaper plastic one will harbour bacteria more readily, and as the surface scuffs up, the appearance will be poor and even more difficult to clean. IMO.

Good point, didn't think about that.

**AustinEyewear** · 07-21-2011, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Striderswife

I've used the premium one, and it's not too heavy. It feels precise. I'd think that after a while, the less expensive one could warp, or lose its markings from wear. From a patient point of view, I might be more impressed by the premium one. It doesn't look like something your lab just gave you, or you picked up off a table at a trade show. :/

Thanks for the info, I've been curious about the weight. I agree with the presentation. Would be nice to find someone who has actually used the plastic to get their actual experience.

**rbaker** · 07-21-2011, 12:12 PM

The Haag-Streit is the gold standard.

**MissMolly** · 08-11-2017, 08:24 AM

Does the Distometer measure panto as well as vertex distance?

**Hayde** · 08-11-2017, 10:45 AM

Negative, Ghost Rider. There are some plastic swiveling ruler things that allege to do both, but I've personally never had luck measuring vertex distances with them with any acceptable precision.