The dynamics and latency of the pupillary response in cases of homonymous hemianopia

Abstract

The dynamic pupillary response in cases of homonymous hemianopia secondary to lesions of the optic radiation is analysed together with cases of lesions of the anterior visual pathways. The pupillary threshold and the pupillary dynamics of the response of a given retinal locus in the blind hemifield are compared with the values of corresponding retinal loci in the seeing hemifield. In suprageniculate lesions, as opposed to infrageniculate lesions, the pupillary response in the blind hemifield is preserved, and with time it will recover nearly to normal threshold levels. In this case the dynamics of the pupillary response will show an increased latency period and a hypokinetic pupillary excursion. Since during continued recovery these parameters undergo further alterations, follow-up studies may yield further information, in selected cases, as to the onset of the visual incapacity.