An automated infrared image acquisition and analysis method for quantifying optical responses to chemical agent vapor exposure

An analysis method was developed in order to quantify the pupil sizes of rats and swine inside a vapor chamber. It employs an infrared (IR) light source, IR capable video camera and computer equipped with image acquisition hardware and novel analysis software for quantifying pupil constriction resulting from nerve agent vapor exposure. An image acquisition and analysis routine was developed to capture images and automate pupil area measurements. The method described here allows for remote/non-invasive assessment of the level as well as the time course of onset and duration of pupil constriction in real-time.