Argyll Robertson pupil is a type of eye condition in which the pupil is small and irregularly shaped. It is often seen in people with neurosyphilis, a type of syphilis that affects the nervous system. The condition is named after Douglas Argyll Robertson, a Scottish physician who first described it in 1869.
Signs and Symptoms
People with Argyll Robertson pupil often have an irregularly shaped pupil that appears small and sluggish. The pupil may not constrict when exposed to light and may even dilate in the dark. In some cases, the pupil may constrict when the person looks at near objects, but not at distant objects.
Causes
Argyll Robertson pupil is caused by neurosyphilis, a type of syphilis that affects the nervous system. Neurosyphilis can damage the nerves that control the pupil, resulting in the characteristic small and irregularly shaped pupil.
Diagnosis
Argyll Robertson pupil is typically diagnosed during an eye examination. The doctor will look for the characteristic small and irregularly shaped pupil, as well as signs of neurosyphilis, such as hearing loss, memory loss, and impaired vision.
Treatment
Treatment for Argyll Robertson pupil involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, which is usually neurosyphilis. This typically involves a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria that causes the infection. Once the infection is treated, the pupil usually returns to normal.