Pupillometry, the measurement of pupil size and reactivity, is a critical component in neurological examinations and research. Traditional methods of assessing pupil dynamics are often limited to open-eye conditions and require direct contact, which can be impractical in various clinical settings, such as during sleep studies, anesthesia, or intensive care. The advent of touchless imaging technologies presents an opportunity to enhance the accuracy and applicability of pupillometry, allowing for continuous monitoring without the need for physical interaction.

Unmet Need
Current bedside pupillometry techniques are predominantly intermittent, qualitative, and manual, restricting their use in critical care and sleep medicine. These limitations hinder the ability to monitor patients effectively, particularly in situations where eye closure is common, such as during sleep or under anesthesia. Moreover, existing methods often fail to capture rapid changes in pupil dynamics, which can provide essential insights into neurological function and patient status. There is a pressing need for a reliable, continuous, and non-invasive method to assess pupil size and reactivity, particularly in closed-eye conditions.

Our Technology
Our innovative approach utilizes touchless short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging to assess pupil size and the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in both open and closed eyes. For the initial proof-of-concept lab experiments, the system comprised an infrared LED source, a SWIR camera, controllers, and a computer screen for delivering visual stimuli. A mobile prototype is now being assembled, which includes these components and additional light polarizers, for further bedside R&D. Our setup ensures safety and comfort for patients while allowing for continuous imaging when the imaging device is placed at a medium distance (20-100cm) from the subject’s head. The technology leverages advanced algorithms to analyze pupil dynamics without requiring direct segmentation (marking of the pupil’s contour), making it effective even when the eyes are closed. This also provides high temporal resolution, enabling the detection of rapid changes in pupil size that are critical for clinical assessments.

Market
The potential market for touchless pupillometry technology is vast, spanning various fields including neurology, critical care, sleep medicine, and anesthesia. As automated quantitative pupillometry gains traction, healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing its utility in monitoring neurological function and patient responsiveness. Our technology addresses a significant gap in the current market by offering a non-invasive, continuous monitoring solution that can be integrated into existing clinical workflows. With the growing emphasis on patient-centered care and the need for real-time monitoring in critical settings, our touchless SWIR imaging technology is poised to become an essential tool in modern medical practice, enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining clinical assessments.