Abstract
This study described the development of a haploscope-based pupillometer for the parametrization of the Pupillary Light Reflex (PLR), and its feasibility in a set of 30 healthy subjects (light or dark-colored irides) and five patients diagnosed with Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD). Our supplementary aim focused on evaluating the influence of iris colour on the PLR to decide whether a difference in PLR parameters should be anticipated when this system is used across ethnicities. All the participants underwent a customized pupillometry protocol and the generated pupil traces, captured by an eye tracker, were analyzed using exponential fits to derive PLR parameters. A Pupil Response Symmetry (PRS) coefficient was calculated to predict the presence of RAPD. The mean (SD) Initial PD during dilation (3.2 (0.5) mm) and the minimum PD during constriction (2.9 (0.4) mm) in the light iris group had a statistically significant (p < 0.001) higher magnitude compared to the dark iris group. The normal limits of the PRS coefficient ranged from − 0.20 to + 1.07 and all RAPD patients were outside the calculated normal limits. This proposed system, analysis strategies, and the tested metrics showed good short-term repeatability and the potential in detecting pupil abnormalities in neuro-ophthalmic diseases.
Highlights
The Pupillary Light Reflex (PLR) is evaluated using a Swinging Flashlight Test (SFT), which is a qualitative assessment of the direct and consensual pupillary r eflexes[1,2,3]
We present two sample applications of the system as a proof of concept: (i) quantification of pupil dynamics during redilation responses (ii) the establishment of an asymmetry limit to predict the presence of Relative Afferent Pupillary defect (RAPD)
Even though the previous literature has reported the effect of factors such as iris colour on pupil dynamics, the reported findings are c ontradictory[5,25,26,27,28]
Summary
The PLR is evaluated using a Swinging Flashlight Test (SFT), which is a qualitative assessment of the direct and consensual pupillary r eflexes[1,2,3]. A previous study that evaluated pupillary reflex during perceptual rivalry used a binocular stimulus presented dichoptically on two monitors by projecting them with a mirror stereoscope to each eye separately. They could successfully quantify the pupil size and gaze direction using an infrared based eye tracking device placed behind the dissociating mirrors[22]. The aim of this study was to describe (i) the design and development of a haploscope-based binocular pupillometer system, (ii) the description of a double exponential fit function in the parametrization of the PLR, (iii) and the first-line evaluation of the system’s feasibility and applicability in a set of healthy subjects and patients diagnosed with Relative Afferent Pupillary defect (RAPD). This comparison was expected to help us in deciding whether a difference in pupil parameters should be anticipated when our customized system is used across ethnicities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
