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Mydriasis: Causes, Symptoms & What You Need To Know Now!

Hipolito Kiehn I

Ever looked in the mirror and noticed your pupils are unusually large? Mydriasis, the medical term for dilated pupils, can be a sign of something more than just low lighting, and understanding its potential causes is crucial for maintaining your health.

The black center of your eye, the pupil, is a dynamic opening that adjusts to regulate the amount of light entering the eye. When it's larger than normal, we call this mydriasis. This dilation can occur for a multitude of reasons, some benign, others potentially serious. Its important to note that pupil asymmetry, also known as anisocoria, can also occur, and while sometimes its perfectly normal (present in about 20% of the population), it can also signal underlying issues. Furthermore, benign episodic unilateral mydriasis exists as an isolated cause of intermittent pupil dilation.

Aspect Information
Definition Mydriasis refers to the dilation of the pupil of the eye. It can be unilateral (affecting one eye) or bilateral (affecting both eyes).
Common Causes
  • Medications (anticholinergics, mydriatics)
  • Eye drops used for exams or surgery
  • Injury to the eye or brain
  • Drug use
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Psychological Factors
Symptoms
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Blurred vision
  • In some cases, headache or eye pain
Diagnosis
  • Physical and ophthalmic examination
  • Review of medications
  • Neurological examination if necessary
  • Blood work, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging may be performed to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. If caused by medication, adjusting the dosage or switching medications may be required.
When to Seek Medical Attention
  • Sudden onset of dilated pupils, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, vision changes, or neurological symptoms.
  • Dilated pupils after an eye or head injury.
  • Unexplained or persistent dilated pupils.
Related Conditions
  • Anisocoria (unequal pupil sizes)
  • Horner's Syndrome
  • Adie's Tonic Pupil
Pharmacologic Mydriasis Testing Testing for pharmacologic mydriasis from topical agents involves observing the pupil's response to specific medications. This helps determine if the dilation is drug-induced.
Link to more Info American Academy of Ophthalmology
Mydriasis What Is It, Pronunciation, Causes, Glaucoma Risk Factor, and

Mydriasis What Is It, Pronunciation, Causes, Glaucoma Risk Factor, and

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What Is Miosis of the Eye and How to Manage It OBN

Mydriasis (Pupil Dilation) Causes, Treatment and More MyVision

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