Automated standardized pupillometry with optical method for purposes of clinical practice and research

The aim of the current study was the introduction and standardization of tw o experimental conditions for dynamic pupillometry. Pupillometry is a metho d that can provide valuable data concerning the functioning of the autonomo us nervous system. The system for recording the pupil reaction was develope d in the Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology of the 1st Department of Ne urology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in co-operation with the L aboratory of Fluid Mechanics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. T his system is fully automated. It includes an infra-red video camera, which has the capacity to record in complete darkness, and an SLE (clinical phot ic stimulator) lamp. A software application automatically performed all the procedures. During the first experiment, one flash was administered. Durin g the second experiment, a series of 25 flashes (1 Hz frequency) was admini stered. Fifty physically and mentally healthy subjects aged 23-48 years too k part in the study. Means, standard deviations and ranges for all variable s characterizing normal subjects during both experimental conditions are re ported. Test/re-test results and comparisons of the two eyes are also repor ted. The combined use of these two experimental conditions in dynamic pupil lometry may be a very useful tool in medical research. There are already re ports on the usefulness of pupillometry in the research of various diseases , including depression and Alzheimer's disease. It is expected that it will also be a valuable research tool in the study of diabetes, alcoholism, mya sthenia gravis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc.