Overview
EN ISO 12866:1999/A1:2008 is an important amendment to the international standard on ophthalmic instruments, specifically perimeters. Developed by ISO/TC 172 "Optics and optical instruments" in collaboration with CEN/TC 170 "Ophthalmic optics," this amendment updates and refines the original ISO 12866:1999 standard. Approved by CEN in November 2008, the amendment ensures consistent requirements and improved safety, performance, and usability of perimeters used in ophthalmic diagnostics across Europe and globally.
Perimeters are critical tools used to measure visual fields and detect abnormalities such as glaucoma or neurological disorders. This amendment specifies updates concerning normative data, software notifications, documentation requirements, and updated references to safety standards, making it essential for manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies.
Key Topics
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Normative References Update
The amendment updates normative references to important safety and ophthalmic equipment standards:
- ISO 15004-1:2006 (Fundamental requirements and test methods for ophthalmic instruments)
- IEC 60601-1:2005 (General requirements for basic safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment)
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Normal Value Table Requirements
Perimeters must:
- Compare tested locations against age-specific normal values using recommended stimulus and background parameters
- Specify the version number, issue date, size, and age range of the normative database used
- Print the version number of the normal value table on test reports
- Notify users in case of updates or changes to the normative database via software updates or other means
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Accompanying Documentation Enhancements
Perimeters must be supplied with clear and comprehensive instructions for use, including:
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- Confirmation of transport condition compliance in original packaging (per ISO 15004-1:2006)
- Additional documents required by IEC 60601-1:2005
- Specification of examination strategies to guide clinical use
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Minimum Requirements for Normative Databases (Annex C)
The amendment introduces a normative annex defining strict criteria to ensure the reliability of the normative databases used by perimeters, including:
- Predefined inclusion criteria for healthy eyes, covering visual acuity limits and exclusion of pathological conditions
- Criteria for minimum experience in perimetry testing
- Selection methods for eyes included in the database (only one eye per subject)
- Conditions to exclude unreliable examinations based on fixation behavior and false positive/negative responses
- Minimum sample sizes, including subjects under 30 and over 60 years to reflect age variability
Applications
EN ISO 12866:1999/A1:2008 is highly relevant to a range of practical applications involving ophthalmic perimeter devices:
- Manufacturers can ensure product compliance with up-to-date international safety and performance requirements, improving device reliability and market access in CEN member countries.
- Ophthalmologists and Optometrists benefit from improved normative data transparency and device standardization, leading to more accurate and consistent visual field assessments.
- Regulatory Authorities use this standard as a benchmark for approving perimeter devices and safeguarding patient safety through harmonized testing and documentation requirements.
- Healthcare Facilities can optimize device selection and maintenance informed by compliance with this amendment, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care quality.
Related Standards
This amendment complements and references several key standards in the ophthalmic instrument and medical electrical equipment domains:
- ISO 12866:1999 - Original international standard for ophthalmic perimeters
- ISO 15004-1:2006 - Ophthalmic instruments – General requirements and test methods
- IEC 60601-1:2005 - Medical electrical equipment – Safety and essential performance
- CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations - Requirements governing implementation and harmonization of European standards
Adherence to these interconnected standards enables manufacturers and users to maintain high levels of product safety, performance, and interoperability in ophthalmic diagnostics globally.
Keywords: Ophthalmic instruments standard, perimeters amendment, EN ISO 12866, normative database requirements, visual field testing, ophthalmic device safety, ISO 15004-1, IEC 60601-1, ophthalmic optics standards, CEN standards compliance.
