Anisocoria is a condition in which one pupil is bigger than the other, while Adie's pupil is a type of anisocoria. Adie's pupil is a type of anisocoria caused by a damaged nerve that controls the pupil size. It can cause a pupil to stay large even in bright light and not react to light at all. The condition is usually seen in one eye, but can sometimes affect both eyes.
Symptoms of Adie's Pupil
The main symptom of Adie's pupil is the unequal size of the pupils (anisocoria). The affected pupil is usually larger and does not constrict when exposed to bright light. It is sometimes described as a “tonic” pupil, because it stays dilated even when exposed to light. Adie's pupil can also cause blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Causes of Adie's Pupil
Adie's pupil is caused by damage to the postganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the oculomotor nerve. This nerve is responsible for controlling the pupil size. When these fibers are damaged, the pupil no longer responds to light and remains dilated. Adie's pupil can occur due to head trauma, viral infections, and certain medications.
Diagnosis of Adie's Pupil
Adie's pupil is diagnosed through a physical examination. A doctor will check the pupils for size and responsiveness to light. They may also test the eye muscles by having the patient move their eyes in different directions. Adie's pupil is also diagnosed using a tonometry test, which measures the pressure within the eye.
Treatment of Adie's Pupil
Adie's pupil is usually not treated as it is not a serious condition. If the pupil is causing blurred vision or light sensitivity, the doctor may prescribe eyedrops or glasses. Surgery may be recommended in more severe cases. The goal of surgery is to repair the damaged nerve and restore normal pupil size.