Eye-Opening study: pupil size may reveal pain levels
NCT ID NCT02628314
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether changes in pupil size can reliably measure pain. Twenty adults with hip or knee arthritis received brief heat pulses while researchers recorded their pupil responses and pain ratings. The goal was to see if pupil diameter could serve as an objective pain indicator.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple, objective way to measure pain using pupil response.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 participants. It only tests reliability, not a treatment, so results may not lead to a practical tool.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States