Pupilometer
Encyclopedia
Pupilometer is the name used for two different devices—one that measures the distance between pupil
s, and one that measures the pupil's response to visual stimuli.
(PD). It is used for fitting eyeglasses so that the lenses are centered in the visual axis. This is the most common nomenclature. It may also be used to verify a PD measurement taken from a millimeter ruler placed across the bridge of a patient's nose for distance and near focus.
monitor—a monocular device measuring the amount of dilation of the pupil
in response to a visual stimulus
.
In ophthalmology
, a pupillary response to light is differentiated from a pupillary response to focus (ie. pupils may constrict on near focus, as with the Argyll Robertson pupil
) in the diagnosis of tertiary syphilis
. Although a pupillometer can be used, the diagnosis is often made with a penlight & near-point card.
The extent of dilation of the pupil in the eye could be an indicator of interest and attention. Methods of reliable measurement of cognitive load, such as the dilation or constriction of the pupils, are used in marketing research
to assess the attractiveness of TV
commercials. Dilation of the pupils reflects an increase in mental processes, whether it be attentiveness, or psychomotor responsiveness.
Pupil
The pupil is a hole located in the center of the iris of the eye that allows light to enter the retina. It appears black because most of the light entering the pupil is absorbed by the tissues inside the eye. In humans the pupil is round, but other species, such as some cats, have slit pupils. In...
s, and one that measures the pupil's response to visual stimuli.
Pupillary distance measurement
In the most common sense, a Pupilometer is a tool for measuring pupillary distancePupillary distance
Pupillary Distance or interpupillary distance is the distance between the centers of the pupils in each eye. This measurement is used when preparing to make prescription eyeglasses...
(PD). It is used for fitting eyeglasses so that the lenses are centered in the visual axis. This is the most common nomenclature. It may also be used to verify a PD measurement taken from a millimeter ruler placed across the bridge of a patient's nose for distance and near focus.
Pupil Response
Alternatively, a pupilometer is a type of pupil responsePupillary response
Pupillary response or dilation of the pupil is a physiological response that varies the size of the pupil of the eye via the iris dilator muscle...
monitor—a monocular device measuring the amount of dilation of the pupil
Pupil
The pupil is a hole located in the center of the iris of the eye that allows light to enter the retina. It appears black because most of the light entering the pupil is absorbed by the tissues inside the eye. In humans the pupil is round, but other species, such as some cats, have slit pupils. In...
in response to a visual stimulus
Stimulation
Stimulation is the action of various agents on nerves, muscles, or a sensory end organ, by which activity is evoked; especially, the nervous impulse produced by various agents on nerves, or a sensory end organ, by which the part connected with the nerve is thrown into a state of activity.The word...
.
In ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems...
, a pupillary response to light is differentiated from a pupillary response to focus (ie. pupils may constrict on near focus, as with the Argyll Robertson pupil
Argyll Robertson pupil
Argyll Robertson pupils are bilateral small pupils that constrict when the patient focuses on a near object , but do not constrict when exposed to bright light . They are a highly specific sign of neurosyphilis. In general, pupils that “accommodate but do not react” are said to show light-near...
) in the diagnosis of tertiary syphilis
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. The primary route of transmission is through sexual contact; however, it may also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or at birth, resulting in congenital syphilis...
. Although a pupillometer can be used, the diagnosis is often made with a penlight & near-point card.
The extent of dilation of the pupil in the eye could be an indicator of interest and attention. Methods of reliable measurement of cognitive load, such as the dilation or constriction of the pupils, are used in marketing research
Marketing research
Marketing research is "the function that links the consumer, customer, and public to the marketer through information — information used to identify and define marketing opportunities and problems; generate, refine, and evaluate marketing actions; monitor marketing performance; and improve...
to assess the attractiveness of TV
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
commercials. Dilation of the pupils reflects an increase in mental processes, whether it be attentiveness, or psychomotor responsiveness.