Pupilmate: A do-it-yourself frugal pupilometer

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Pupillary reflexes are crucial for non-invasive neurological assessment.
• Existing tools for pupillary defect screening lack affordability and accessibility.
• There is a need for low-cost, portable devices for pupillary reflex documentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the construction and functionality of a frugal, do-it-yourself handheld pupillometer device named Pupilmate.
• To provide an affordable solution for screening and documenting relative afferent pupillary defects.
• To enable objective recording and repeatability of pupillary reactions.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a handheld device (Pupilmate) using Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, infrared (IR) and white light LEDs, and a cardboard box.
• Integrated simultaneous video streaming of both pupils to internet-connected devices.
• Enabled manual illumination for recording direct and consensual pupillary reflexes.

Main Results:

• Pupilmate allows for objective observation and repeatable recording of pupil reactions.
• The device successfully captures direct and consensual pupillary reflexes.
• Simultaneous video streams of both pupils are achievable via internet-connected devices.

Conclusions:

• Pupilmate offers a cost-effective and accessible method for pupillary reflex assessment.
• The device is suitable for initial screening in outpatient departments, outreach programs, and clinics.
• This DIY pupillometer addresses the need for affordable neurological eye assessment tools.