Pupillometry

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Pupillometry

Pupillometry (pronunciation: pyoo-puh-lom-i-tree) is the measurement of the pupil's diameter in the eye. This measurement is often used in neuroscience and psychology to study the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, as well as in ophthalmology to diagnose certain eye conditions.

Etymology

The term "pupillometry" is derived from the Latin word "pupilla," which means "little doll," and the Greek word "metron," which means "measure." The term was first used in the mid-20th century.

Procedure

Pupillometry involves the use of a pupillometer, a device that measures the diameter of the pupil. The measurement is usually taken under varying light conditions, as the pupil's size can change in response to light. The results can provide information about the individual's visual acuity, light sensitivity, and potential neurological or ophthalmological issues.

Related Terms

  • Pupil: The black circular opening in the iris of the eye, through which light enters.
  • Pupillometer: A device used to measure the size of the pupil.
  • Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
  • Ophthalmology: The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye.

Applications

Pupillometry has a wide range of applications in both medical and psychological research. It is used in the diagnosis of various eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, and in the study of sleep disorders, drug use, and emotional responses. In neuroscience, pupillometry is used to study the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and the brain's processing of visual information.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski