| Description |
Patients with autonomic dysfunction often experience extreme sensitivity to light, and prior research suggests chromatic light might alter light sensitivity thresholds and elicit unique nervous responses in these individuals. This project aims to explore chromatic light effects on the autonomic nervous system and how these effects might be used to clinically alleviate symptoms of migraine, light sensitivity, and other autonomic dysfunction, along with validating current investigational chromatic light protocols. We utilize three devices in our testing methods: a quantitative pupillometer, an Intuitive Colorimeter, and a photophobia threshold (PPT) testing rig. The pupillometer allows us to record and measure the pupillary light response (PLR) to white, red, green, and blue light. The Intuitive Colorimeter allows us to control and vary the three dimensions of color-hue, saturation, and brightness-to let the subject pick a therapeutic and aversive hue that is then matched to tinted lenses. These lenses are then worn during the PPT testing, which allows us to measure a subject's light sensitivity threshold by recording the lux values at defined discomfort levels. The results of this exploration will test potential color effects from chromatic light, inform research methodology, and begin to understand how we can use chromatic light as a therapeutic treatment in those with autonomic dysfunction. |
