Question 1

i have uneven pupil dilation. is this harmful or harmless?

Accepted Answer

This Depends: This depends on the degree to which the two pupils are uneven in diameter.  Uneven pupil size is known medically as “anisocoria”.  Anisocoria may result from many conditions, some harmless and some life threatening.  In general, we allow for 1 to 2 millimeters of physiologic (normal) difference in pupil size.  However, if the discrepancy in pupillary diameters exceeds this, a significant underlying problem may exist, especially if new in onset.  The challenge for the clinician is to determine which pupil is the abnormal one: the larger pupil or the smaller pupil.  If the problem lies with the larger pupil, a variety of conditions may be accountable ranging from benign to serious.  A common benign cause of pupil dilation is the inadvertent introduction of a dilating compound into the eye.  For example, a patient using a nasal degongestant/vasoconstrictor spray containing the adrenergic agent neosynephrine may inadvertently spray some into the eye, resulting in pupil dilation.  Likewise, a patient using a scopolamine patch for sea-sickness may inadvertently get some of this anticholinergic agent compound onto his or her hands and rub the eye, resulting in pupil dilation.  Also, people who tend to plants may inadvertently get some sap on their hands and rub the eyes.  The sap of some plants contain belladonna alkaloids which are potent anticholinergics which may result in pupil dilation.  More serious causes of pupil dilation include trauma, resulting in pupillary margin tears, a condition called adie’s tonic pupil and, finally, of greatest concern, a third nerve palsy.  A third nerve palsy with a dilated pupil often results from a cerebral artery aneurysm and is a medical emergency as it may lead to intracranial hemorrhage and death.  Other signs of a third nerve palsy are new onset double vision, a droopy eyelid and the restriction of eye movement such that it moves “down and out”.  If these signs are present, especially if there are attendant headaches, the patient must go to the emergency room immediately for brain imaging and possible neurosurgical intervention.  If the problem is with the smaller pupil, then the list of possible conditions includes, most seriously, a horners syndrome, which results from interruption of the sympathetic nerve chain as it travels from brain, through thorax, back up to eye via internal carotid artery.  Any compressive lesion along this pathway may interrupt nerve impulses directing pupil dilation, resulting in pupil constriction or “miosis”.  Worrisome lesions include certain types of lung cancer and carotid artery dissection which is a medical emergency.  Other signs of horners syndrome include droopy eyelid on the affected side, and decreased sweat production of the facial skin on the side of the problem.

Question 2

does alcohol cause pupil dilation?

Accepted Answer

Usually constriction: Alcohol in large amounts can cause pupillary constriction. That being said, it is not the best indicator of alcohol use/intoxication. Like benzodiazepines and opioids, alcohol is a depressant, promoting parasympathetic activity and pupil constriction.

Question 3

do colored contacts affect pupil dilation?

Accepted Answer

No: Colored contacts still let almost all light in, so there is no effect on pupil size. But the pattern of color in the lensar make the pupil look different.

Question 4

does insomnia cause pupil dilation?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Dilated pupils can occur as a side effect of various medications and several illicit drugs.  Serious medical conditions such as serotonin syndrome can also cause this.  Insomnia for a night or two would not usually result in dilated pupils.

How long have you had insomnia? Have you been depressed or started a new medication?   See your doctor to be sure and bring a list of all drugs, herbals takin

Question 5

can celexa (citalopram) cause pupil dilation?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Celexa (citalopram) can cause pupil dilation. It is an uncommon side effect. If this occurs see prescribing doctor or pcp for exam and guidance. Best wishes.

Question 6

sudden bilateral pupil dilation in normal  light, pupils responded to direct light but returned to dilated size, normalised after 10mins. cause?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilation: Many causes of pupil dilation,  including 
emotions - higher levels of circulating adrenaline, which occur during times of excitement or fear. 
drugs - from eye drops to hallucinogenics. Especially drugs that are anticholinergic
light - low light, or a problem with receiving light on the retina
neurologic problem - from the optic nerve to the part of the brain that regulates the eyes.

Question 7

how long will pupil dilation last?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: ..Atropine can last a week. Mydriacyl (tropicamide) about 4 hours.

Question 8

would hypocalcemia cause pupil dilation in response to light?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Severe hypocalcemia may weaken muscle contraction, which could make the pupils unable to constrict. But it cannot cause a paradoxical dilation of the pupils to light.

Question 9

could pupil dilation hurt my eyes?

Accepted Answer

No: These are used daily in ophthalmology offices! we would not use a hurtful medication. The dilating drops do make your vision blurry until t.He pupils get back to normal.

Question 10

is pupil dilation (mydriasis) normal when starting fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Fluoxetine (prozac) is not usually associated with pupil dilation, although the pupils may be slightly less reactive to light.  The medicine is a selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) and can cause dry mouth, dry eyes and other side effects.

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Doctor answers about:

Lupus uneven pupil dilation

A member asked:

I have uneven pupil dilation. is this harmful or harmless?

A member asked:

Does alcohol cause pupil dilation?

A member asked:

Do colored contacts affect pupil dilation?

A member asked:

Does insomnia cause pupil dilation?

A member asked:

Can celexa (citalopram) cause pupil dilation?

A member asked:

Sudden bilateral pupil dilation in normal light, pupils responded to direct light but returned to dilated size, normalised after 10mins. cause?

A member asked:

How long will pupil dilation last?

A member asked:

Would hypocalcemia cause pupil dilation in response to light?

A member asked:

Could pupil dilation hurt my eyes?

A member asked:

Is pupil dilation (mydriasis) normal when starting fluoxetine?

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