The characteristics of the pupil and the pupillary light reflex in the normal subjects

Objective To investigate the characteristics of the pupil and the pupillary light reflex in the normal subjects and to provide valuable reference in the clinic of neuro-ophthalmology.Methods The 200 eyes of 100 normal subjects were classified into five groups by age (such as 10 year,20 year group,etc).Their ages of the normal subjects ranged from 12 to 66 years[mean,(31±2)years].The pupils and the pupillary light reflexes were observed using automatic pupillometer in 100 subjects(200 eyes).The computerized,infrared-sensitive pupillometer was used to record the dynamic movement of pupil in light or in dark.the results were automated analyzed by computer.Results With age increasing,the pupil area,the reflex amplitude and velocity of the pupillary light reflex were decreased while the latency was prolonged;all of those changes were significantly different.There were no significant differences in the nine variables between the male and the female group or between the left eye and the right eye.Conclusions A reproducible pupil test provides quantitative information about the pupil and the pupillary light reflex.The method may valuable in the determination of pupillary input deficits that result from retinal and optic nerve diseases.