The Effect of Varying Brightness Levels on Palpebral Aperture and the Point of Orbicularis Engagement Using EEG Signalling.

Our study will aim to establish the point of orbicularis engagement based on luminous intensity Murray et al. created an Ocular Stress Monitor to see if the contracture of the muscles on the eyelid indicative of pain as a light source was increased in luminosity 8 Our study will go one step further by using video technology and a portable EEG machine to detect the pulses of lid contracture as luminosity of a ring light i s increased incrementally. An advanced calibrated datalogging LED light meter will simultaneously record the level of brightness to establish at which point the spike in EEG occurs. Screenshots from the video recording will be taken and accurate MRD1 measurements can be taken at the point of orbicular i s engagement.

The scientific justification for this research question is twofold We wish to establish the threshold at which orbicularis engages such that palpebral aperture and MRD measurements are altered. This is relevant to the technique of taking these measurements in the clinical environment and the light intensity at which these measurements are taken. We wish to establish the light intensity which should not be exceeded to take these measurements. As photography becomes increasingly used in oculoplastic s clinics we envisage palpebral aperture and MRD1 measurements being performed digitally rather than manually These measurements are relevant to pre operative and post operative imaging, and surgical planning. Furthermore, our results maybe applicable more widely to industry, for example vehicle headlights, bicycle lights, camera flash, workplace lighting.

Reference: Murray I, Plainis S, Carden D. The ocular stress monitor: a new device for measuring discomfort glare. Lighting Research Technology. 2002;34(3):231 239.