What do small pupils mean




















Source: Medical News Today. Want the latest and greatest from our blog straight to your inbox? Subscribe today for a periodic email with our latest posts. A variety of conditions and health issues ranging from eye injury to drug use can result in an abnormally constricted pupil.

Small pupils may mean that you have an underlying condition. Some of the conditions that can cause constricted pupils include:. Cluster headaches — Cluster headaches are a rare type of neurovascular head pain. Eye-related symptoms may include miosis, eyelid swelling and conjunctivitis pink eye on the same side as the pain.

Horner's syndrome — Symptoms of Horner's syndrome typically affect one side of the face, and include a constricted pupil, a drooping eyelid and an inability to sweat. This rare disorder can be congenital or may be caused by trauma, a brain tumor or even an insect bite that affects eye nerves. Inflammation of the iris iritis — Inflammation of the colored part of your eye can lead to abnormally small or oddly shaped pupils as well as other symptoms blurry vision , eye pain , red eyes , etc.

Stroke — Strokes that involve the brain stem may cause abnormally constricted pupils or dilated pupils. Other symptoms of brainstem stroke may include diplopia double vision , dizziness, severe balance problems and slurred speech.

Syphilis — Late-stage syphilis can cause a condition known as Argyll Robertson pupil, with two abnormally tiny pupils that do not respond or respond slowly to light but constrict when the eyes focus on a nearby object. This happens when the bacteria that cause syphilis gets into the cerebrospinal fluid CSF. Other conditions and diseases can also cause constricted pupils.

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries caused by a hard blow to the head that can affect the size of the pupils. In fact, pupil size may be one of the signs of a serious brain injury that requires emergency medical help.

Read more for tips on how to treat and relieve them. Primary open-angle glaucoma is a progressive condition that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Learn what you can do to prevent vision…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Pinpoint Pupils. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. The pupil is the part of your eye that controls how much light gets in. What are common causes of pinpoint pupils?

Symptoms associated with pinpoint pupils. When should you seek help? What to expect during diagnosis. Read this next. Mydriasis: Understanding Dilated Pupils.

Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Increased Intracranial Pressure. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.

A person with a heroin dependency should speak to their family doctor or a local drug treatment center. A healthcare professional will ask about their drug use, family and housing situation, and any other contributing factors the person may wish to disclose.

The doctor may request a urine or saliva sample. Horner syndrome is a rare condition caused by a tumor , a stroke , or damage to the central trunk of the brain brainstem.

It affects a type of nerve called the sympathetic nerve. Symptoms include:. Horner syndrome can be a sign of life-threatening complications in the neck or upper body, so it is essential to seek medical attention. Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, including the iris. While many people who have anterior uveitis are otherwise healthy, it can be associated with:.

It occurs mostly in young or middle-aged people and can appear in one or both eyes. A doctor or eye specialist ophthalmologist may refer a person for further testing if they suspect an underlying medical condition to be the cause.

A study assessed the importance of how the pupils react to light when there are possible injuries to the central nervous system. For people who have sustained head injuries in road-traffic or other accidents, pinpoint pupils can be a sign of serious internal problems. Head injuries can cause severe and even life-threatening complications, even if the effects are not immediately apparent. Anyone who has suffered a head injury should seek immediate medical attention.

Research suggests that accidental exposure to pesticides organophosphates can cause pinpoint pupils in some cases. The person may also show signs of:. Anyone who thinks they or someone else has been poisoned by a pesticide, household cleaner, or other toxic product requires immediate medical attention.



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