Pupillographic campimetry: an objective method to measure the visual field.

Abstract

Pupillographic campimetry allows measuring the visual field objectively by analyzing the pupil response to perimetric stimuli. One of the drawbacks of this technique, similar to static perimetry, is the need of reliable fixation of the subject. By using stimulus sizes comparable to static perimetry and applying gaze tracking, we enable a retinotopic visual field examination regardless of fixation problems and with an increased stability and improved spatial resolution. Here, we present the results of applying the method in eight normal sighted subjects as well as in three patients suffering from diseases usually diagnosed by perimetry. The results in normal sighted subjects show a reduction in the amplitude of the pupil response with increasing eccentricity as expected. We also demonstrate that gaze-controlled campimetry is able to detect organic visual field defects objectively in a patient group and classify the visual field defects without an organic background. Moreover, we show that our method is able to evaluate the visual field sensitivity loss beyond classical perimetry in patients with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa. Thus, gaze-controlled pupil campimetry can be used in addition to classical perimetry, allowing for an objective monitoring of disease progression, rendering it as a biomarker for novel treatments.