Comparative Methods of Scotopic Pupil Size Determination in Refractive Surgery Candidates, by Jill E. Beyer, O.D., and David J. Conway, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Title

Comparative Methods of Scotopic Pupil Size Determination in Refractive Surgery Candidates

Authors

Jill E. Beyer, O.D., and David J. Conway, O.D.

Purpose

Refractive surgery candidates require accurate pupil size evaluation under scotopic conditions for post-operative glare and halo prediction.  This study evaluates a handheld video camera with infrared light technology as a method of dark illumination pupil size determination. 

Methods

Participants were subjected to two methods of scotopic pupil size measurement.  Both the in-office Colvard Pupillometer, and the Sony Digital Handycam with the infrared “Nightshot” system were utilized for pupil size evaluation. 

Results and Discussion

Of the two scotopic measurement methods, the digital handycam obtained the largest mean measure of pupil size.  Both dim illumination pupil measurements were easy and efficient to use. 

Conclusion

In this study, the handheld video camera with infrared capability reported the largest scotopic pupil size measurement.  This pupil evaluation method should be considered a reasonable and valuable tool in prerefractive surgery evaluations.