Final answer:
The swinging light test involves shining light into one eye and observing the constriction response in both pupils, which checks for potential optic or oculomotor nerve damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The swinging light test is carried out by shining light into one eye and observing the response of both pupils. This process tests the pupillary light reflex, which is the constriction of the pupils when exposed to bright light. To perform the test, shine a light into one eye and observe the direct response in that eye as well as the consensual response in the other eye. The response should be bilateral due to the efferent limb of the reflex being bilateral. By comparing the reactions when the light is shone into each eye separately, the test can help discern whether there is damage to the optic nerve or the oculomotor nerve.