Uneven Pupils

Pupil is the dark circle or the black dot in the center of the eye. It allows light to enter the eye so that we can see. Sometimes you might notice in children or even in adults that size of both the pupils is different. In such cases one pupil has normal size while the other is slightly dilated or constricted. In other cases, you might also observe that one eye is fully dilated and the blue colored iris is almost invisible. Unequal pupils can possibly be a birth defect or it can show up due to several reasons during the course of life. This condition is medically termed as Anisocoria.

Symptoms Associated with Uneven Pupils

Mild form of Anisocoria can be cured with right kind of eye treatment. Difference in the size of pupils depends on the coordination of the muscles present in the iris with the autonomous nervous system. People with uneven pupils cannot hold vision for long time and they have photophobia (fear of light). As a consequence of this severe eye strain and eye pressure is experienced around the eyes. Apart from eyes, uneasiness is felt in other parts of the body, like migraine type headache and burning pain in the back of neck also occur when suffering from Anisocoria.

Reasons behind Uneven Pupils

Eye Medicines: Infection resulting from eye drops, allergy relief medicines, anti itching eye drops can cause pupils to dilate. It's a mild form of Anisocoria and the side effects usually disappear.

Plants: There are certain types of poisonous plants which when come in contact with the eyes cause dilation of pupils and various other types of eye problems. Examples of such plants include angel trumpet, deadly nightshade, yellow jessamine flowers, etc.

Head Injury: Head injuries that cause damage to the nerves connecting the brain and the eyes often lead to abnormal pupil size and difference in their size.

Horner's Syndrome: It is a type of disorder wherein the nerves keep the eyelids open. It occurs due to a damaged oculosympathetic nerve. The eyelids droop and pupils constrict. It is either a congenital disorder or is induced by medical treatment.

Cranial Nerve Damage: Third cranial nerve or the oculomotor nerve controls movements of the eyes. It regulates those muscles that cause opening and closing of eyes. Damage to this nerve gives rise to uneven pupils, double vision and drooping eyelids. These are also signs of aneurysm. Medicines, virus, caffeine, and chemicals can also cause third cranial nerve damage. People suffering from diabetes can also have the cranial nerve damaged.

Adie's Pupil: There is no specific reason behind this disorder. However the most obvious reason is viral infection which damages the nerve fibers controlling eye muscles. It further leads to difficulty in focusing on objects.

Other Causes: Unequal pupils can be a consequence of bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumor, and chest tumor. Consumption of illicit drugs like cocaine and marijuana can also cause affect the size of pupils.

Treatment for Uneven Pupils

A Neuroimaging or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is done to detect the underlying cause. Treatment depends on severity of the symptoms and the source of the disorder. Antibiotics is often administered to treat bacterial infections. Cortisone shots and pain relievers are also prescribed to reduce the swelling and pain associated with it. Anticonvulsant drugs are given to patients suffering from seizures and brain malfunctions associated with anisocoria. An ophthalmic surgery might be required if traumatic defects are associated with uneven pupils

It's always advisable to go for an immediate medical check up if you notice any of those symptoms mentioned in the aforementioned content. Inform your doctor if you experience any kind of itching after applying eye drops and wear sunglass to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays. To end on a positive note, I must say that a proper eye treatment done at the earliest is capable of rendering normal shape to pupils.