The Pentacam is designed to take photos of the anterior segment of the eye, which includes cornea, lens and anterior chamber. To evaluate: Corneal shape Analyse condition of the lens Densitometry, cataract degree and location using the Scheimpflug Image State of the lens (pre and post intraocular lens implant) Analyse anterior chamber (size, volume and angle) Pachymetry (thickness of the cornea) Scheimpflug Image Analysing center position of the cornea to iris and lens
Device Story
Pentacam Scheimpflug Camera is a non-invasive, table-mounted, AC-powered diagnostic system for anterior eye-segment imaging. Device uses blue light (UV-free, 475nm) slit illumination and a CCD camera to capture images based on the Scheimpflug principle. System automatically rotates to capture multiple photographs, which are processed to generate a 3D model of the eye. Operated by clinical staff in a clinic setting; patient stabilizes head via chin and forehead rests. Output includes digital images and calculated metrics (corneal shape, pachymetry, anterior chamber parameters, lens densitometry). Healthcare providers use these outputs to assess corneal topography, cataract status, and anterior chamber anatomy, aiding in clinical decision-making for ocular health and surgical planning (e.g., IOL implantation).
Clinical Evidence
Effectiveness demonstrated through internal company and independent clinical studies. No specific performance metrics (sensitivity/specificity) provided in the summary.
Technological Characteristics
Non-invasive Scheimpflug camera; blue LED (475nm, UV-free) illumination; CCD sensor; 15" color screen; 800x600 pixel resolution; 50VA power consumption; table-mounted form factor; non-contact except for chin/forehead rests.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring evaluation of the anterior eye segment, including corneal shape, corneal thickness (pachymetry), anterior chamber depth, volume, and angle, and lens condition (cataract degree, location, and opacity).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An AC-powered slitlamp biomicroscope is an AC-powered device that is a microscope intended for use in eye examination that projects into a patient's eye through a control diaphragm a thin, intense beam of light.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is intended only for the visual examination of the anterior segment of the eye, is classified as Group 1 per FDA-recognized consensus standard ANSI Z80.36, does not provide any quantitative output, and is not intended for screening or automated diagnostic indications, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 886.9.
Predicate Devices
NIDEK, EAS-1000 Anterior Eye-Segment Analysis System (K991284)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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SEP 1 6 2003
K030719
### 510(K) SUMMARY
#### substantially equivalent
## General Information
| Applicant's Name and Address: | OCULUS Optikgeräte GmbH<br>Münchholzhäuser Straße 29<br>D-35582 Wetzlar |
|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date of Summary: | 04 March 2003 |
| Owner/Operator Number: | 8010318 |
| | Mr. Joerg Iwanczuk<br>Product Manager |
| Device Name | |
| Trade Name: | Pentacam Scheimpflug Camera |
Class: Classification Name: Product Code: Regulation Number:
Class II Scheimpflug Camera MXK Anterior Eye-Segment Analysis System 886.1850
### Predicate Devices
The Pentacam Scheimpflug Camera is claimed to be substantially equivalent to the following currently market device:
NIDEK, EAS-1000 Anterior Eye-Segment Analysis System- K991284
### Device Description:
The Pentacam Scheimpflug Camera is a non-invasive, diagnostic system created to take photographs of the anterior segment of the eye, table mounted and AC powered. The system is based on the Scheimpflug Principle for Slit Image photography. The device consists of a measurement unit, power supply and a CPU. The measuring system uses blue light (UV-free) given to a slit to illuminate the eye, and a CCD-Camera for photography. The measuring system offers the possibility of automatically rotation to get photographs of every part of the eye. The system calculates from the photos a 3D-modell of the eye.
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# Product Comparison
,。
| | New Device | Anterior Eye-Segment Analysis<br>System |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | OCULUS Optikgeräte<br>GmbH | Nidek Inc. |
| Measuring Principle | Scheimpflug Principle for<br>Slit Image photography | Scheimpflug Principle for Slit<br>Image photography |
| Optical | Single Aperture | Single Aperture |
| Viewing Optics | 15" Coloured Screen | 5.5" Black and White CRT |
| Observation Illumination | Infrared LED 800nm | Infrared LED for Retro-<br>Illumination 800nm |
| Flash Output Illumination | Blue LED Light (UV-free)<br>475nm, max. 2.5Wsec | Xenon Lamp 200Wsec |
| Photography Camera | CCD-Camera | CCD-Camera |
| Display | Data digital, displayed on a<br>CPU | Data digital and can be displayed<br>on a CPU |
| Image resolution | 800 x 600 pixels | 640 x 400 pixels |
| Image size | 5.6 x 4.5mm | 8mm x 6.6mm |
| Photographic range | Eligible 0 to 180° | Offers Photographic angles from<br>0 to 180° |
| Photographic Series | 1 to 50 photos | N/A |
| Slit Length | 14mm | 2 – 14mm adjustable |
| Power Consumption | 50VA | 150 VA |
| Power requirement | 110/220 VAC, 50/60Hz | 100VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Weight | 9 kg | 25 kg |
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## Basics for Substantial Equivalence
- > The systems utilize the same or similar Operating System. They contain:
- > An optical system
- > A source of illumination for observation and photography
- > A CCD-Camera as photographic medium
- Both systems have the same intended use to measure the eye and the anterior eve segment A
- Both systems use the same device features like a 公
- > Head stabilizing device
- > External fixation target
- > Joy stick for control mechanism
- > Both systems are considered "Non Invasive" as defined in 21 CFR §812.3(k) and considered not to be a "Significant Risk Device" as defined in 21 CFR §812.3(m)
## Indications for Use
Intended Use: The Pentacam is designed to take photos of the anterior segment of the eye, which includes cornea, lens and anterior chamber. To evaluate:
Corneal shape
Analyse condition of the lens
Densitometry, cataract degree and location using the Scheimpflug Image State of the lens (pre and post intraocular lens implant)
Analyse anterior chamber (size, volume and angle)
Pachymetry (thickness of the cornea)
Scheimpflug Image
Analysing center position of the cornea to iris and lens
### Safety
The Pentacam is a non-invasive diagnostic system, which contacts the patient only on his/her chin and forehead. The Pentacam does not present or pose any new or additional effects for risk on the safety prescribed intended uses. The light output is of an eye safe intensity and wavelength. The electrical safety requirements for medical devices are met. The Pentacam is proven effective for its intended uses through internal company and independent clinical studies.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo consists of a circular border with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the circumference. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, with lines connecting them to form a single, abstract shape.
SEP 1 6 2003
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
OCULUS Optikgeräte GmbH c/o Tom Weatherby 18902 NE 150th St. Woodinville, WA 98072
Re: K030719
Trade/Device Name: Pentacam Scheimpflug Camera Regulation Number: 21 CFR 886.1850 Regulation Name: AC-powered slitlamp biomicroscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MXK Dated: July 18, 2003 Received: July 21, 2003
Dear Mr. Weatherby:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies - You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
{4}------------------------------------------------
### Page 2 - Tom Weatherby
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
A halepi Rosenthal
A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows a logo with the word "OCULUS" underneath a star-shaped design. The left side of the star is filled in with black, while the right side is outlined. There is a triangle shape in the middle of the star. The word "Page" is on the bottom left.
510(k) Number (if known): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pentacam Scheimpflug Camera Device Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indications For Use:
The Pentacam is designed to take photos of the anterior segment of the eye which includes the cornea, pupil, anterior chamber and lens of the eye. To evaluate:
- • corneal shape,
- analyse condition of the lens (opaque crystalline lens), ●
- analyse the anterior chamber angle, ●
- analyse anterior chamber depth, .
- analyse the volume of the anterior chamber, .
- . analyse anterior or posterior cortical opacity,
- analyse the location of cataracts (nuclear, subcapsular and or cortical), using cross . slit imaging with densitometry,
- corneal thickness. ●
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Dea/ Kriclmen
510(k) Number
(Optional Format 3-10-98)
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Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.