The Flashing Light-Induced Pupil Response (FLIPR) Glaucoma Study

The pupils inside the eyes constrict in response to light stimulation. Different classes of cells within the human retina initiate this response. Recent research suggests that one of the ganglion cell types involved in this pupil response is affected by glaucoma. By measuring pupil responses to different colored lights, the function of this class of cells can be evaluated quickly, and without touching the eye. An advantage of pupil testing strategies is that they do not require subjective feedback from the subject about what they can see, as is required for standard visual field tests that are used in the clinic.

The main aim of this study is to measure and compare the pupil constriction that occurs in response to flickering red and blue lights in patients with glaucoma versus matched control patients without glaucoma. In addition, the subjects will be asked questions about their quality of life and it will be determined whether issues related to quality of life correlate to alterations in the pupil responses.

Inclusion criteria

• 18+ years old
• Diagnosed with glaucoma of known severity (cases only)
• Have a refractive error between +4.00 and -8.00 sphere power, and no more than 3.00 diopters of astigmatism
• Best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye
• Have open anterior chamber angles

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of glaucoma of a type other than Primary Open Angle (cases only)
• History of having surgery or taking medications known to profoundly affect pupillary function or shape
• Visual Field defect (controls only)
• History of traumatic brain injury requiring hospitalization
• Pregnancy
• History of optic nerve disease other than glaucoma
• History of retinopathy
• History of unreactive pupils
• Presence of significant cataract