Introduction: The pupil is a circular slit located in the center of the iris. The pupils should be approximately large and reactive as in normal conditions. Observation of pupils is important, especially from a neurological point of view. In the past, the subjective method was used for observation of pupils, and just over twenty years ago they developed a device – pupilometer, which provides an objective measurement. Changes or reaction of the pupils can be a sign of many events inside the brain, such as brain herniation and an increase in intracranial pressure. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma work is to answer the questions: are there differences between the observation of pupils with pupillometer and subjective observation, what measurements are carried out and their significance and which are the causes of changes in pupils. Methods: In this diploma work a descriptive method of work was used, with a systematic review of literature. The period of the literature used is from 2014 to 2018, with the exception of one article. Only articles obtained with full text were used, and searches were carried out using Google's web browser and databases Medline and CINAHL with full text. The following keywords are used: pupillometer, nurse and observation of pupils. Results: The results showed that pupillometer is a more effective method than subjective observation, as there are no disagreements between observers. With measurements, especially neurological pupil index and constriction velocity, significant timely findings can be made about the risk of developing pathological events in the brain. The authors also emphasize other factors, especially pain and some medicines that can affect the size and shape of the pupils Discussion and conclusion: Pupilometer is an accurate and reliable device that prevents the occurrence of errors that may occur in subjective observations of pupils. The neurological pupil index and constriction velocity of pupil draw attention primarily to the risk of brain herniation, and this two parameters are interconnected. Because the pupilometer is a device that has just started to use, many more studies are needed for the evidence of its reliability.
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