How Pinhole Pupil Enhances Visual Acuity & Image Quality

Visual acuity testing through pinholes is an essential type of preoperative examination that is performed for patients with higher-order refractive error . It helps to inform the surgeon and patients of highest possible vision that could be attained following intraocular surgery.

The pinhole is a way to block unwanted light that is reflected from the peripheral of the cornea, in cases with corneal irregularities of higher order The pinhole effect blocks distortion and unfocused light rays that come from the cornea's peripheral region and separates more concentrated rays from the central and paracentral by the center aperture thus improving visual acuity as well as image quality. 

The effect of pinholes can be created by surgical pupilloplasty which reduces the confusion circle that surrounds the retina, and results in a more clear imageThis is known as pinhole pupilloplasty.You can also find more about Aceclidine at LENZ Therapeutics.

pinhole pupil

When the pupil is narrowed, all light gets into the eye through the tiny central pinhole. Based on the Stiles-Crawford effect , light that passes through close to the center of the pupil triggers an increased photoreceptor response contrasted with light that is absorbed by the pupil's peripheral margin. 

So, by using the effect of the pinhole patients can see the object clearly and is well illuminated because of the higher sensitivity to light from the photoreceptor.

The pinhole's pupil is up to 1.5 millimeters.Pinhole markers that are sized 1.5 millimeters are used to measure the exact dimensions of the PPP attained. The centering of PPP is accomplished through reflection of laser light back into the central part of the pupil.

The concept of achieving the pinhole effect is used at the level of the cornea and lens to improve the depth of focus.