Utility of iPhone-Based Pupillometry in Comparing Pupillary Dynamics Between Sport Concussed Subjects With...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Sports concussion can lead to persistent symptoms, including photosensitivity.
• Pupillary dynamics may be altered following concussion.
• Assessing these changes can aid in understanding long-term effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pupillary dynamics in athletes with sports concussion and photosensitivity versus healthy controls.
• To evaluate the utility of iPhone-based pupillometry for assessing these changes.
• To investigate potential biomarkers for photosensitivity post-concussion.

Main Methods:

• Fifty athletes with sports concussion (symptoms >1 year) and 50 age-matched controls were recruited.
• Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) was administered.
• Pupillary dynamics were measured using an iPhone-based application (Reflex-Pro PLR analyzer).

Main Results:

• Athletes with concussion showed significantly decreased average and maximum constriction speeds and diameters.
• Increased dilation release amplitude and latency were observed in the concussion group.
• Subjects with concussion and photosensitivity exhibited significantly increased dilation release amplitudes.

Conclusions:

• Sport concussion impairs pupillary constriction velocities, latency, and diameter for over a year post-injury.
• Increased dilation release amplitude may serve as a biomarker for photosensitivity in concussion patients.
• iPhone-based pupillometry offers a convenient diagnostic tool for these symptoms.