This page brings together pupil abnormalities thesis topics for MS Ophthalmology covering anisocoria, relative afferent pupillary defect, Horner syndrome, third cranial nerve palsy, tonic pupil, traumatic and postoperative pupil abnormalities, diabetic autonomic dysfunction, glaucoma-related pupil changes, uveitis and neurological or pharmacological causes. The topics are intended for MS Ophthalmology residents and are framed around designs that can usually be completed within one thesis period using routine ophthalmic patients, pupil examination, slit-lamp assessment, visual fields, optical coherence tomography and investigations already available in a teaching hospital. The strongest pupillary disorders research topics for MS Ophthalmology standardise illumination and adaptation, distinguish afferent from efferent abnormalities and use an appropriate clinical or neurological reference standard. Once a topic is shortlisted, the MS Ophthalmology pupil abnormalities protocol and MS Ophthalmology pupil abnormalities synopsis should define the measurement conditions, diagnostic criteria, comparison eye and statistical plan.
Last reviewed and updated: September 2026 · 2026–27 admissions
Anisocoria and Abnormal Pupil Size
Clinical spectrum and underlying causes of anisocoria in adults presenting to a tertiary eye hospital: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association of physiological anisocoria with age, refractive error, iris pigmentation and ambient illumination in otherwise healthy adults: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupil size and anisocoria under bright and dim illumination in patients with unilateral pupillary abnormalities: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Diagnostic value of light and near pupillary responses for differentiating physiological from pathological anisocoria: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Association between magnitude of anisocoria and presence of ocular or neurological disease in patients with newly detected unequal pupils: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Clinical characteristics and causes of anisocoria following blunt ocular trauma in patients presenting to emergency ophthalmic services: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between iris sphincter tears and degree of anisocoria following blunt ocular trauma: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency and clinical determinants of anisocoria after uncomplicated cataract surgery at six weeks: a prospective observational study.
Relationship between intraoperative iris manipulation and postoperative pupil size abnormalities after cataract surgery at six weeks: a prospective observational study.
Comparison of pupil diameter between eyes with unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome and clinically unaffected fellow eyes: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between resting pupil diameter and duration of diabetes mellitus among adults without clinically evident autonomic neuropathy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between pupil diameter and refractive status among myopic, hypermetropic and emmetropic adults attending ophthalmic outpatient services: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Age-related variation in photopic and mesopic pupil diameter among healthy Indian adults: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.
Association between pupil diameter and anterior chamber angle width measured by gonioscopy in adults with anatomically narrow angles: a correlation study.
Frequency and causes of unilateral persistent mydriasis among patients presenting to a tertiary ophthalmology department: a cross-sectional observational study.
Frequency and causes of unilateral persistent miosis among patients presenting to a tertiary ophthalmology department: a cross-sectional observational study.
Clinical profile of patients presenting with acute painful anisocoria and its association with anterior segment pathology: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of manual pupil measurement and digital anterior segment photography for assessing anisocoria in routine clinical practice: an observer agreement study.
Interobserver agreement among ophthalmology residents in measurement of pupil diameter and anisocoria using standard clinical examination: an observer reliability study.
Association between anisocoria severity and presenting visual acuity in patients with unilateral ocular trauma: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect
Frequency and severity of relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with unilateral optic neuritis: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect severity and best corrected visual acuity in patients with unilateral optic neuritis: a correlation study.
Relationship between relative afferent pupillary defect and visual field mean deviation in patients with asymmetric optic neuropathy: a correlation study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in unilateral optic neuropathy: a correlation study.
Diagnostic accuracy of relative afferent pupillary defect for detecting clinically significant asymmetric glaucomatous optic nerve damage: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Relationship between relative afferent pupillary defect severity and visual field loss in patients with asymmetric primary open angle glaucoma: a correlation study.
Frequency of relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with advanced asymmetric primary angle closure glaucoma: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect and visual acuity loss in patients with central retinal vein occlusion: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between relative afferent pupillary defect severity and retinal ischaemic changes in central retinal vein occlusion: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency and severity of relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with central retinal artery occlusion: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect and extent of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients presenting before surgery: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between macular involvement and relative afferent pupillary defect severity in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with asymmetric proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect severity and retinal ischaemic changes in advanced diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Clinical utility of relative afferent pupillary defect grading in patients with unilateral traumatic optic neuropathy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect severity and optic disc pallor in patients with traumatic optic neuropathy: a correlation study.
Diagnostic accuracy of the swinging flashlight test for detecting unilateral optic nerve dysfunction against comprehensive neuro-ophthalmic assessment: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Agreement between clinical grading and neutral density filter grading of relative afferent pupillary defect in optic nerve disease: an observer agreement study.
Interobserver agreement among ophthalmology residents in detecting and grading relative afferent pupillary defect: an observer reliability study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect severity and optical coherence tomography measures in compressive optic neuropathy: a correlation study.
Horner Syndrome and Sympathetic Pupillary Dysfunction
Clinical profile and underlying causes of Horner syndrome among adults presenting to a tertiary eye hospital: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between degree of anisocoria and severity of ptosis in patients with Horner syndrome: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of anisocoria under bright and dim illumination in patients with Horner syndrome and physiological anisocoria: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Diagnostic accuracy of dilation lag for differentiating Horner syndrome from physiological anisocoria: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Frequency of facial anhidrosis and its association with anatomical level of sympathetic pathway involvement in Horner syndrome: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between duration of Horner syndrome and magnitude of anisocoria in affected patients: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of iris heterochromia in congenital and long-standing Horner syndrome among patients attending tertiary ophthalmic care: a cross-sectional observational study.
Clinical characteristics of Horner syndrome secondary to neck and chest lesions in adults: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Ocular manifestations of Horner syndrome following neck surgery or cervical trauma: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Clinical profile of traumatic Horner syndrome among patients with head, neck and upper chest injuries: a cross-sectional observational study.
Frequency and pattern of pupillary abnormalities in Horner syndrome associated with carotid artery disease: a retrospective observational study.
Diagnostic value of associated eyelid signs in distinguishing Horner syndrome from physiological anisocoria: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Comparison of pupil diameter between affected and unaffected eyes in patients with confirmed Horner syndrome: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between upper eyelid position and pupil size asymmetry in patients with Horner syndrome: a correlation study.
Frequency of underlying systemic or neurological disease among adults with newly diagnosed Horner syndrome: a retrospective record-based study.
Diagnostic performance of pharmacological pupil testing in clinically suspected Horner syndrome using final clinical diagnosis as reference: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Agreement between two independent observers in identifying dilation lag among patients with suspected Horner syndrome: an observer agreement study.
Clinical features associated with delayed diagnosis of Horner syndrome in patients referred to ophthalmology services: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupil response to darkness in Horner syndrome and physiological anisocoria using serial digital photography: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between location of sympathetic pathway lesion and severity of ocular manifestations in Horner syndrome: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Third Cranial Nerve Palsy and Parasympathetic Pupillary Dysfunction
Frequency of pupillary involvement and its relationship with underlying cause in patients with third cranial nerve palsy: a cross-sectional observational study.
Clinical differences between pupil-involving and pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsy in adults: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between pupil diameter and completeness of ocular motor dysfunction in patients with third cranial nerve palsy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of painful pupil-involving third cranial nerve palsy among adults presenting to neuro-ophthalmology services: a cross-sectional observational study.
Relationship between degree of ophthalmoplegia and severity of pupillary dysfunction in third cranial nerve palsy: a correlation study.
Clinical profile of pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsy among patients with diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association of diabetes mellitus and hypertension with pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsy: a case-control study.
Clinical profile of traumatic third cranial nerve palsy with pupillary involvement following head injury: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between severity of head injury and pupillary involvement in traumatic third cranial nerve palsy: a retrospective analytical study.
Frequency of aberrant regeneration and associated pupillary abnormalities in patients with chronic third cranial nerve palsy: a cross-sectional observational study.
Relationship between ptosis severity and pupillary involvement in patients with third cranial nerve palsy: a correlation study.
Clinical features associated with compressive causes among patients presenting with third cranial nerve palsy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between age and pattern of pupillary involvement in patients with third cranial nerve palsy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupillary findings in isolated third cranial nerve palsy and third cranial nerve palsy with additional neurological deficits: a comparative study.
Frequency of pupillary involvement in microvascular third cranial nerve palsy among adults with vascular risk factors: a retrospective observational study.
Relationship between pupil involvement and recovery of ocular motility at three months in acquired third cranial nerve palsy: a prospective observational study.
Association between initial pupil diameter and residual ptosis at three months in patients with acquired third cranial nerve palsy: a prospective study.
Clinical pattern of third cranial nerve palsy following road traffic accidents and its association with pupil abnormalities: a retrospective observational study.
Diagnostic value of pupillary involvement for identifying non-microvascular causes of isolated third cranial nerve palsy: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Interobserver agreement in grading pupillary involvement among patients with third cranial nerve palsy: an observer reliability study.
Tonic Pupil and Disorders of Parasympathetic Denervation
Clinical profile and demographic characteristics of patients with tonic pupil presenting to a tertiary ophthalmology hospital: a cross-sectional observational study.
Frequency of unilateral and bilateral involvement among patients diagnosed with tonic pupil: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between duration of tonic pupil and degree of anisocoria under different illumination conditions: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between accommodative symptoms and near pupillary response in patients with tonic pupil: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency and pattern of segmental iris sphincter palsy in patients with tonic pupil: a slit-lamp based cross-sectional study.
Diagnostic value of sectoral iris sphincter palsy for identifying tonic pupil among patients with unexplained anisocoria: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Comparison of light and near pupillary responses between eyes affected by tonic pupil and unaffected fellow eyes: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between tonic pupil and diminished deep tendon reflexes among patients with suspected Holmes-Adie syndrome: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Clinical characteristics of Holmes-Adie syndrome among patients presenting to neuro-ophthalmology services: a cross-sectional observational study.
Frequency of bilateral pupillary abnormalities in patients with Holmes-Adie syndrome: a cross-sectional observational study.
Diagnostic accuracy of dilute pilocarpine testing for tonic pupil using clinical neuro-ophthalmic diagnosis as reference: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Comparison of pharmacological pupil response in tonic pupil and other causes of unilateral mydriasis: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Relationship between duration of tonic pupil and denervation supersensitivity to dilute pilocarpine: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Interobserver agreement in detecting segmental iris sphincter palsy among patients with suspected tonic pupil: an observer agreement study.
Association between tonic pupil and accommodative dysfunction measured by near point of accommodation: a correlation study.
Comparison of pupil constriction velocity during near response in tonic pupil and healthy fellow eyes: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Clinical profile of tonic pupil following ocular or orbital trauma among patients attending tertiary ophthalmic care: a retrospective observational study.
Frequency of previously undiagnosed tonic pupil among adults presenting with unexplained anisocoria: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between pupil size, photophobia and near-vision symptoms in patients with tonic pupil: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Short-term change in anisocoria and accommodative symptoms over three months in patients with newly diagnosed tonic pupil: a prospective observational study.
Traumatic and Surgical Pupillary Abnormalities
Clinical spectrum of traumatic pupil abnormalities following blunt ocular injury in patients presenting to emergency ophthalmic services: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between extent of iris sphincter tear and pupil size abnormality following blunt ocular trauma: a correlation study.
Relationship between traumatic mydriasis and presenting visual acuity in patients with closed-globe ocular injury: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between traumatic mydriasis and angle recession among patients with blunt ocular trauma: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of irregular pupil and associated anterior segment injuries following occupational ocular trauma: a cross-sectional observational study.
Clinical profile of pupillary abnormalities following road traffic accident-related ocular trauma: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Association between pupillary abnormalities and lens injury in patients with blunt ocular trauma: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between iris sphincter damage and post-traumatic intraocular pressure elevation at six weeks: a prospective observational study.
Frequency of persistent traumatic mydriasis at three months following blunt ocular injury: a prospective observational study.
Association between traumatic pupil abnormalities and patient-reported glare at three months after ocular injury: a prospective analytical study.
Frequency of postoperative pupil distortion after small-incision cataract surgery in eyes with mature cataract: a prospective observational study.
Association between intraoperative iris manipulation and pupil irregularity after cataract surgery at six weeks: a prospective analytical study.
Comparison of postoperative pupil shape following small-incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification at six weeks: a comparative prospective study.
Association between preoperative small pupil and postoperative pupil abnormalities following cataract surgery: a prospective analytical study.
Frequency of postoperative atonic pupil following uncomplicated cataract surgery in adults: a prospective observational study.
Relationship between postoperative pupil size and glare symptoms after cataract surgery at six weeks: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between pseudoexfoliation syndrome and postoperative pupil distortion following cataract surgery: a prospective analytical study.
Frequency and determinants of pupil abnormalities after surgery for complicated cataract: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Comparison of pupil diameter before and after cataract surgery in eyes requiring mechanical pupil expansion: a prospective comparative study.
Association between postoperative pupil irregularity and best corrected visual acuity at six weeks after cataract surgery: a prospective analytical study.
Diabetes Mellitus and Autonomic Pupillary Dysfunction
Comparison of resting pupil diameter between adults with diabetes mellitus and age-matched individuals without diabetes: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between duration of diabetes mellitus and photopic pupil diameter among adults attending diabetic retinopathy screening services: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between glycaemic control and resting pupil diameter in patients with type two diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between severity of diabetic retinopathy and pupil diameter in adults with type two diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupillary light response between patients with no diabetic retinopathy and those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Relationship between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and pupillary light response abnormalities in adults with diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between cardiovascular autonomic symptoms and pupil size abnormalities in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of subclinical pupillary autonomic dysfunction among patients with diabetes mellitus without retinopathy: a cross-sectional observational study.
Comparison of dark-adapted pupil diameter in patients with diabetes mellitus and healthy age-matched controls: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between pupil constriction amplitude and duration of diabetes mellitus in adults: a correlation study.
Relationship between pupil diameter and central macular thickness in patients with diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between renal involvement and pupillary autonomic abnormalities among patients with diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupil size among patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, long-standing diabetes and individuals without diabetes: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between insulin treatment and pupillary autonomic dysfunction in adults with long-standing diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between age, diabetes duration and pupil size among patients attending a tertiary diabetic eye clinic: a multivariable cross-sectional study.
Diagnostic value of reduced dark-adapted pupil diameter for identifying diabetic autonomic neuropathy: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Association between asymmetric diabetic retinopathy and relative afferent pupillary defect in adults with diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupillary response between patients with diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Interobserver agreement in clinical measurement of pupil diameter among patients with diabetes mellitus: an observer reliability study.
Association between pupillary abnormalities and visual impairment severity in adults with advanced diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Glaucoma, Narrow Angles and Pupil Characteristics
Association between pupil diameter and gonioscopic angle width in patients with primary angle closure disease: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupil size between patients with primary angle closure glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Relationship between mesopic pupil diameter and severity of angle narrowing in primary angle closure suspects: a correlation study.
Association between age-related reduction in pupil size and anterior chamber angle configuration in adults: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupil diameter before and after laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle closure suspects at four weeks: a prospective comparative study.
Association between change in pupil diameter and change in gonioscopic angle width after laser peripheral iridotomy: a prospective analytical study.
Frequency of relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with advanced asymmetric primary open angle glaucoma: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between relative afferent pupillary defect and visual field asymmetry in patients with glaucoma: a correlation study.
Relationship between relative afferent pupillary defect and retinal nerve fibre layer asymmetry in patients with glaucoma: a correlation study.
Diagnostic accuracy of relative afferent pupillary defect for identifying advanced asymmetric glaucomatous optic neuropathy: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Comparison of resting pupil diameter in patients receiving long-term glaucoma medications and treatment-naive glaucoma patients: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between number of topical glaucoma medications and pupil diameter in patients with chronic glaucoma: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between pseudoexfoliation syndrome and poor pharmacological pupil dilation before cataract surgery: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pharmacological pupil dilation in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and age-matched cataractous eyes without pseudoexfoliation: a comparative study.
Association between preoperative pupil size and intraoperative iris-related complications in cataract patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome: a prospective analytical study.
Relationship between pupil diameter and intraocular pressure in patients presenting with acute primary angle closure: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupil size between affected and fellow eyes in patients with unilateral acute primary angle closure: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between duration of acute angle closure symptoms and fixed mid-dilated pupil at presentation: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Interobserver agreement in clinical assessment of pupil size among patients with acute and chronic angle closure disease: an observer reliability study.
Association between pupil abnormalities and severity of optic nerve damage in patients presenting with advanced glaucoma: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Uveitis, Iris Disease and Inflammatory Pupillary Abnormalities
Frequency and pattern of pupillary abnormalities in patients with acute anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between severity of anterior chamber inflammation and degree of miosis in patients with acute anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between posterior synechiae and pupil distortion in patients with recurrent or chronic anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Association between extent of posterior synechiae and pharmacological pupil dilation in patients with anterior uveitis: a correlation study.
Comparison of pupil diameter between affected and unaffected eyes in patients with unilateral acute anterior uveitis: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Frequency of persistent irregular pupil following resolution of acute anterior uveitis at three months: a prospective observational study.
Association between pupil irregularity and best corrected visual acuity in patients with healed anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Clinical spectrum of pupillary abnormalities in patients with tubercular uveitis presenting to a tertiary eye hospital: a cross-sectional observational study.
Frequency of posterior synechiae and pupil distortion among patients with tubercular anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between iris atrophy and pupil abnormalities in patients with chronic anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pupillary abnormalities in granulomatous and non-granulomatous anterior uveitis: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between duration of uveitis symptoms and development of posterior synechiae with irregular pupil: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of seclusio pupillae among patients presenting with complicated anterior uveitis: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Clinical characteristics of patients with occlusio pupillae secondary to chronic anterior segment inflammation: a retrospective observational study.
Relationship between pupillary membrane formation and visual acuity impairment in patients with chronic anterior uveitis: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Comparison of pharmacological pupil dilation in eyes with previous anterior uveitis and unaffected fellow eyes: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Association between iris transillumination defects and pupil shape abnormalities in patients with anterior segment inflammation: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Interobserver agreement in grading posterior synechiae and pupil distortion among patients with anterior uveitis: an observer reliability study.
Frequency of pupillary abnormalities in patients with ocular manifestations of leprosy attending tertiary ophthalmic services: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between chronic iridocyclitis and small irregular pupil among patients with ocular leprosy: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Neurological, Pharmacological and Systemic Pupillary Abnormalities
Clinical spectrum of pupillary abnormalities among patients presenting with acute neurological disorders to a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between altered pupil size and level of consciousness in patients with acute intracranial neurological disease: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency and pattern of anisocoria following traumatic brain injury among patients referred for ophthalmic assessment: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between severity of traumatic brain injury and presence of anisocoria at initial ophthalmic examination: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Relationship between pupillary abnormalities and ocular motor cranial nerve involvement in patients with intracranial lesions: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Clinical profile of pharmacologically induced mydriasis among patients presenting with acute unilateral dilated pupil: a cross-sectional observational study.
Diagnostic value of clinical pupil examination in differentiating pharmacological mydriasis from parasympathetic nerve palsy: a diagnostic accuracy study.
Clinical characteristics of accidental ocular exposure to anticholinergic agents causing unilateral mydriasis: a retrospective observational study.
Comparison of pupil responses in pharmacological mydriasis and tonic pupil using dilute pilocarpine testing: a comparative diagnostic study.
Frequency of pupillary abnormalities among patients receiving commonly used systemic medications with autonomic effects: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between chronic use of autonomic medications and resting pupil diameter in adults attending ophthalmic outpatient services: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Clinical spectrum of pupil abnormalities in patients with optic nerve and chiasmal lesions: a cross-sectional observational study.
Association between visual field asymmetry and relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with chiasmal and retrochiasmal lesions: a correlation study.
Frequency of pupillary abnormalities in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection presenting with neuro-ophthalmic manifestations: a cross-sectional observational study.
Clinical pattern of pupil abnormalities in patients with ocular or neurological tuberculosis: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Association between optic nerve involvement and relative afferent pupillary defect in patients with central nervous system tuberculosis: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Frequency of pupillary abnormalities among patients with neurological complications of dengue fever: a retrospective record-based observational study.
Association between optic neuropathy and relative afferent pupillary defect in patients recovering from vector-borne febrile illnesses: a cross-sectional analytical study.
Diagnostic yield of systematic pupil examination in identifying previously unsuspected neuro-ophthalmic disease among patients attending general ophthalmology clinics: a cross-sectional study.
Interobserver agreement among ophthalmology residents in examination and classification of common pupillary abnormalities encountered in tertiary ophthalmic practice: an observer reliability study.
Not the ophthalmology subspeciality you need? Pupil abnormalities is one section of our full ophthalmology collection — the hub page lists every subspeciality, each with its own free topic list. Updated September 2026.
📌 Updated for 2026–2027 MS Ophthalmology Pupil Abnormalities admissions
The list was reviewed for feasibility in departments where most pupillary research is based on bedside examination, slit-lamp assessment, digital photography and routinely available neuro-ophthalmic investigations.
Many topics can be completed with standard pupil examination, controlled bright and dim illumination, slit-lamp examination, neutral density filters, visual fields, OCT or digital anterior-segment photography; automated pupillometry is not essential for most projects.
Cross-sectional, comparative, diagnostic-accuracy, observer-agreement and short prospective follow-up designs are generally more practical than rare longitudinal neurological cohorts.
Publication potential is strongest when illumination, dark adaptation, recent drug exposure, examiner technique and the reference diagnosis are standardised before pupil measurements are compared.
Generate a protocol from any topic above
Select Generate Protocol → beside any title in the list above and receive a submission-ready document built around that topic, containing all eighteen components:
Introduction / Synopsis
Research Question
Aim of the Study
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
Materials and Methods
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Sample Size Calculation
Methodology
Statistical Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Review of Literature
References
Gantt Chart / Study Timeline
Patient Information Sheet
Consent Form
Data Collection Form
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Generate the full pupil abnormalities protocol directly — objectives, methodology, sample size, statistics, timeline, references and annexures.
Alongside pupil abnormalities protocols and synopses, support is also available for departmental presentations, journal club presentations, ethics committee presentations, and posters and oral presentations for medical conferences — for postgraduate residents, board trainees and research scholars across India and the GCC. Prepared by a practising doctor with long experience in medical publishing and thesis supervision.
The topics above work as research questions anywhere — what changes is the document the institution expects, and who approves it before data collection begins. The Gulf equivalent of an Indian synopsis is the pupil abnormalities research proposal submitted to an institutional review board, and it ordinarily carries three sections an Indian synopsis does not: a Gantt chart, a budget and resources section, and a Declaration of Helsinki statement.
Board and residency programmes — country by country
Saudi Arabia — SCFHS and the Saudi Board. Residency and fellowship training under the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties includes a research project with a set timeline, and the pupil abnormalities research proposal is the document prepared at the outset and cleared by the institutional review board before recruitment starts.
United Arab Emirates — DHA, DOH Abu Dhabi and MOHAP. Residents training in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates prepare a pupil abnormalities research protocol for their programme and submit it for institutional review board approval before any data are collected.
Qatar — DHP (formerly QCHP) and Hamad Medical Corporation. A pupil abnormalities IRB proposal is reviewed before recruitment, with the ethics section written to the institution's own template rather than a generic one.
Bahrain — NHRA. Trainees turning pupil abnormalities research topics into a project need the proposal cleared by their institutional research and ethics committee before fieldwork begins.
Oman — OMSB. Residency programmes under the Oman Medical Specialty Board include a research component, and the pupil abnormalities research proposal is the document assessed at the start of it.
Kuwait — KIMS. A pupil abnormalities study protocol goes to the institutional committee for approval before the project begins.
Arab Board programmes across the region. The Arab Board carries its own research requirement irrespective of the host country, and the pupil abnormalities proposal follows the same structure throughout.
Postgraduate degrees — Malaysia, the Gulf and beyond
Malaysia — MMed, the National Medical Research Register and MREC. A pupil abnormalities dissertation proposal for a Master of Medicine programme carried out in a Ministry of Health facility must be registered on the NMRR and approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee before the study begins, and the guidance asks for submission four to six months ahead of data collection. Every investigator on the study team registers on the NMRR as well, so the methodology, ethics and team sections are written in far more detail than an Indian synopsis requires.
PhD and Master's candidates elsewhere. University programmes generally require a full pupil abnormalities research proposal of roughly 6,000 to 10,000 words, with an extended literature review, a theoretical framework and a detailed methodology chapter.
PhD and MMed proposals are written individually by a medical doctor and revised until the supervisor accepts them. They are not produced by the automated protocol generator.
🔥 Trending research areas in Pupil Abnormalities for 2026–27
Pupillary research is increasingly centred on reproducible bedside phenotyping and on linking simple clinical signs with structural or neurological disease.
Relative afferent pupillary defect quantification: correlation with visual-field asymmetry, OCT retinal nerve fibre layer loss and optic neuropathy severity is useful because RAPD reflects inter-eye asymmetry rather than absolute dysfunction.
Horner syndrome phenotyping: anisocoria in darkness, dilation lag and pharmacological responses remain clinically relevant when measurement timing and final neurological diagnosis are clearly defined.
Third cranial nerve palsy and pupil involvement: pupil-sparing and pupil-involving patterns remain important but should be studied against the final aetiological diagnosis rather than treated as absolute rules.
Digital pupil measurement: standardised photography can improve measurement reproducibility and supports studies of traumatic, postoperative, diabetic and pharmacological pupillary abnormalities.
Protocol and synopsis guidance
What a Pupil Abnormalities protocol must contain
Standardise illumination and adaptation. Pupil diameter should be measured under defined photopic, mesopic or dark conditions with a fixed adaptation interval. The same illumination level, fixation target, examination distance and sequence should be used for all participants when anisocoria or pupil size is the outcome.
Separate afferent and efferent disorders. Relative afferent pupillary defect, Horner syndrome, tonic pupil, third cranial nerve palsy, traumatic mydriasis and pharmacological mydriasis represent different physiological problems. The protocol should define which pathway is being tested and which accompanying ocular or neurological findings establish the diagnosis.
Record factors that alter pupil size. Recent mydriatic or miotic drops, systemic autonomic drugs, prior ocular surgery, iris trauma, pseudoexfoliation, diabetes, ambient lighting and age can all influence pupil measurements. These should be excluded, restricted or measured as potential confounders depending on the research question.
Define the reference standard and time point. Pharmacological testing, swinging flashlight examination, neutral density filter grading, gonioscopy, OCT, visual fields and neuroimaging answer different questions. State what confirms the final diagnosis and whether measurements are taken at presentation, after dark adaptation, before treatment or at a fixed follow-up visit.
Pupil Abnormalities synopsis versus Pupil Abnormalities protocol
The synopsis is the compact research plan. It should identify the pupillary abnormality, study population, principal test or comparison, reference diagnosis, primary outcome and planned study design.
The protocol carries the examination detail. It should specify illumination, adaptation period, pupil measurement method, number of readings, examiner masking, pharmacological agent and timing where relevant, neutral density filter method, associated visual-field or OCT assessment and the handling of bilateral disease.
Pupil examination is highly condition-dependent. A difference measured in bright illumination cannot automatically be compared with one measured after dark adaptation, and a pharmacological response depends on drug concentration, timing and prior denervation. Those operating conditions belong in the protocol even if the synopsis mentions them only briefly.
Sample size and statistical analysis
Base sample size on the primary objective. Diagnostic-accuracy studies use expected sensitivity or specificity with disease prevalence, correlation studies use the anticipated correlation coefficient, comparative studies use the expected difference in pupil diameter or anisocoria, and agreement studies use the expected reliability or agreement precision.
Respect paired-eye data. Many pupil studies compare the affected eye with the fellow eye of the same participant. These observations are paired and should not be analysed as independent groups. When both eyes contribute measurements, the analysis should preserve within-person pairing or account for clustering.
Use statistics that match the measurement question. Correlation between pupil size and disease severity is different from agreement between observers. Diagnostic studies require sensitivity and specificity against a prespecified reference, observer grading requires kappa or an appropriate reliability statistic, and repeated pupil diameter measurements require repeatability analysis. Multivariable models may be needed when age, illumination, diabetes, medication exposure or ocular surgery can influence the primary outcome.
1. How do I choose a feasible Pupil Abnormalities thesis topic?
For 2026–2027 admissions, choose a pupillary disorder seen often enough in the available clinic and a measurement that can be standardised. Anisocoria, RAPD, diabetic pupillary dysfunction, glaucoma-related asymmetry, traumatic mydriasis and postoperative pupil abnormalities are usually more feasible than rare isolated autonomic syndromes. Prefer one principal pupil outcome and a clearly defined reference diagnosis.
2. Which study designs are commonly accepted for Pupil Abnormalities thesis work?
Useful designs include cross-sectional observational and analytical studies, paired-eye comparisons, diagnostic-accuracy studies, observer-agreement studies, reliability studies, case-control studies, retrospective record reviews and short prospective follow-up studies. The design should match whether the question concerns cause, association, diagnosis, measurement agreement or recovery over time.
3. What should I settle with my guide before finalising a Pupil Abnormalities topic?
Settle the exact diagnosis, illumination condition, adaptation period, measurement method, number of readings, examiner, affected-eye definition, reference diagnosis and primary outcome. For pharmacological pupil testing, also agree on the agent, concentration, timing and contraindications before recruitment begins.
4. How should I standardise pupil size and anisocoria measurements?
Use the same room illumination, adaptation interval, fixation target, measurement distance and device or ruler method for every participant. Record whether measurements are photopic, mesopic or dark-adapted. Avoid comparing values obtained after recent mydriatic or miotic drops with untreated measurements, and prespecify whether digital photographs will be calibrated before pupil diameter is calculated.
5. What is the difference between a Pupil Abnormalities synopsis and a Pupil Abnormalities protocol?
The synopsis summarises the research question, rationale, objectives, design, main pupillary test and analysis. The protocol provides the operational details, including illumination, adaptation, measurement method, pharmacological testing where relevant, examiner roles, reference standard, paired-eye handling, follow-up timing and statistical methods.
6. What ethical issues are important in Pupil Abnormalities research?
Prospective studies require informed consent, and studies involving children require guardian consent with age-appropriate assent from about seven years where feasible. Record-based studies may seek a waiver of consent when permitted by the ethics committee. Pharmacological pupil testing should use clinically appropriate agents and concentrations, with contraindications and adverse-effect monitoring stated in the protocol. Research should not delay urgent neuroimaging or neurological assessment in suspected compressive third nerve palsy, acute Horner syndrome or other potentially serious causes of anisocoria. Separate consent should be obtained for identifiable anterior-segment photographs or video, and digital images should be anonymised. The protocol should define an escalation pathway for findings such as a new RAPD, painful pupil-involving third nerve palsy, suspected carotid or intracranial disease, acute angle closure or other conditions requiring urgent treatment.
7. Does absence of a relative afferent pupillary defect rule out optic nerve disease?
No. RAPD reflects asymmetry between the two afferent visual pathways rather than the absolute amount of damage in either eye. Significant bilateral symmetric optic neuropathy can therefore produce little or no RAPD. Conversely, a marked RAPD may appear when one eye is much more affected than the other even if both eyes are diseased. A protocol should interpret RAPD against inter-eye differences in visual acuity, visual field, retinal nerve fibre layer and the final neuro-ophthalmic diagnosis rather than using its absence as evidence that both optic nerves are normal.
8. Can a Pupil Abnormalities thesis also support PhD or Gulf board research pathways?
Yes, but the expected scope differs. A PhD proposal usually requires a broader research gap, stronger methodological justification and a programme of work beyond the scope of an MS dissertation. An MS synopsis is usually centred on one feasible dissertation question. SCFHS and Saudi Board trainees may also complete a mandatory board research project, while Arab Board of Health Specializations and DHP, DHA, DOH or MOHAP-linked programmes may use separate proposal, ethics and submission pathways. The scientific topic may overlap, but the document should be written for the intended programme.
9. When should I register my Pupil Abnormalities thesis topic?
Register after confirming adequate case volume, a reproducible pupil examination method, access to any required neuro-ophthalmic investigations and guide agreement on the reference diagnosis and primary outcome. Prospective recruitment or pharmacological testing for research should begin only after the required institutional and ethics approvals are complete.
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