Pupil response and visual attention

Abstract

The pupil modulates the amount of light that reaches the retina. In addition, pupil size is influenced by various cognitive processes (e.g., perception, attention, memory, and decision-making). Recent studies have shown that pupil size is modulated by luminance at the eye position and at the attended location. This review introduces studies on endogenous and exogenous attention and pupil and on attentional shifts associated with eye movement and the pupil. Further studies on the tools for diagnosing the degree of autism spectrum disorders and human interface, based on these findings, are then discussed.