Automated system and method for determining pupillary threshold response

A computerized system for determining pupillary threshold response based upon the taking of supra-threshold measurements, said system comprising:

• automated perimeter means for exposing the eye to light over a range of intensities at a number of locations in the visual field around the eye and measuring pupillary response thereto;
• and
• automated pupillometer means for controlling the operation of said automated perimeter means and for processing measured responses received therefrom, said automated pupillometer means including:
• means for selecting and instructing said automated perimeter means to expose the eye at each of said given number of locations to an initial supra-threshold light stimulus which is substantially above the expected threshold level at said location;
• a light stimulus response array;
• means for receiving measured responses received from said automated perimeter means and storing said measured responses in said light stimulus response array;
• a pre-stored response curve array of expected pupillary responses to a range of light intensities at each of said given number of locations;
• reiterative light stimulus intensity selection routine means for sequentially determining subsequent supra-threshold light intensities to be applied to the eye by said automated perimeter means at each of said given locations based upon a comparison between previously measured responses stored in said light stimulus response array and expected responses derived from said pre-stored response curve array for said given location;
• non-linear regression analysis routine means for constructing a test response curve array from said measured responses stored in said light stimulus response array;
• means for setting threshold response criteria;
• and means for applying said threshold response criteria to said test response curve array and for generating estimated threshold response levels therefrom.