The Neuroptics pupillometer is a state of the art device used to measure the size of the pupil in real life conditions.  We acquired this technology in relation to a new FDA study that is beginning soon at Dishler Laser Institute.  In learning about this device we are so impressed that we have decided to use it for all of our LASIK evaluations to measure the pupil of the eye prior to surgery.  This device uses infrared light to measure the pupil 39 times per second for two seconds and then averages these readings to give an average pupil size which is accurate to 0.1 mm with a digital readout.  The human pupil is never stationary and constantly is changing in size depending on lighting conditions.  Even when the light level is constant, there are pupil fluctuations known as hippus.  We are not so concerned with pupil size in bright light, but in dim light a large pupil can potentially cause issues if not considered prior to LASIK surgery.  We measure the pupil in a controlled dimly lit room with the patient focused on a distant object.  This is because near vision targets can also make the pupil contract, similar to the effects of  bright light, and thus give an artificially small reading of pupil size.

We have learned in LASIK that there is not a direct correlation between pupil size and night vision complaints.  There is also not a direct correlation between pupil size and the size of the treatment performed during LASIK or PRK.  That being said, there is some relationship between pupil size and the treatment plan which makes accurate measurement of the pupil important.  While many laser centers still "guesstimate" the pupil size, and others use the Colvard pupillometer, very few have this advanced technology.  What is so interesting is that real vision is related to the size of the pupil averaged over a few seconds, since the pupil is constantly in slight motion.  Only the Neuroptics device can accurately measure the real pupil size in such an accurate manner.  Another factor that confounds this measurement is called vertex distance.  Basically this means that deep set eyes can be artificially measured differently than prominent ones.  The Neuroptics device measures the true pupil size.  In fact the Neuroptics can measure the pupil in total darkness for the largest size estimation when needed.

While the average patient is not really interested in the details of this particular test, what should be apparent is that the Dishler Institute, is really that, an institute of vision technology.  More importantly we bring the latest in technology to our patients as we have for the last 25 years.  This is only one test of many using the most advanced technology which gives our team of professionals the information that we need to best evaluate your eyes and vision and help you to make a determination as to whether LASIK or PRK or an ICL or maybe no surgery is the best choice for your eyes.  There is no reason not to take us up on our offer for a complimentary consultation and have your pupils measured with the Neuroptics Pupillometer, along with many other noninvasive tests done to evaluate your unique eyes and their properties.

We begin with advanced knowledge and technology to evaluate our patients.  The Neuroptics device is one new step in the path down the tunnel of light that we call vision.