Anisocoria: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{SI}}<br> | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File: | | name = Anisocoria | ||
| image = [[File:anisocoria0.jpg|thumb|Anisocoria in a patient]] | |||
| caption = Anisocoria in a patient | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = Unequal [[pupil]] sizes | |||
| complications = May indicate serious underlying conditions | |||
| onset = Can be sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Varies depending on cause | |||
| causes = [[Physiological anisocoria]], [[Horner's syndrome]], [[Adie syndrome]], [[Third nerve palsy]], [[Trauma]], [[Medication]] | |||
| risks = [[Head injury]], [[Stroke]], [[Brain tumor]], [[Aneurysm]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[Neurological examination]], [[Imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Horner's syndrome]], [[Adie syndrome]], [[Third nerve palsy]] | |||
| treatment = Depends on underlying cause | |||
| prognosis = Varies; benign in physiological cases, serious if due to neurological causes | |||
| frequency = Common (physiological anisocoria) | |||
}} | |||
'''Anisocoria''' is a condition characterized by an unequal size of the [[pupil]]s. It is a common condition, occurring in approximately 20% of the population. Anisocoria can be a benign finding or a sign of more serious medical conditions. | '''Anisocoria''' is a condition characterized by an unequal size of the [[pupil]]s. It is a common condition, occurring in approximately 20% of the population. Anisocoria can be a benign finding or a sign of more serious medical conditions. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Anisocoria can result from a variety of causes, which can be broadly categorized into physiological and pathological causes. | Anisocoria can result from a variety of causes, which can be broadly categorized into physiological and pathological causes. | ||
=== Physiological Anisocoria === | === Physiological Anisocoria === | ||
Physiological anisocoria is a benign condition where the difference in pupil size is usually less than 1 mm and does not change with different lighting conditions. It is often idiopathic and does not require treatment. | Physiological anisocoria is a benign condition where the difference in pupil size is usually less than 1 mm and does not change with different lighting conditions. It is often idiopathic and does not require treatment. | ||
=== Pathological Anisocoria === | === Pathological Anisocoria === | ||
Pathological anisocoria can be due to: | Pathological anisocoria can be due to: | ||
* '''[[Horner's syndrome]]''': A condition caused by disruption of the sympathetic nerves supplying the eye, leading to ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis. | * '''[[Horner's syndrome]]''': A condition caused by disruption of the sympathetic nerves supplying the eye, leading to ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis. | ||
* '''[[Adie's tonic pupil]]''': A neurological disorder where one pupil is larger than normal and reacts slowly to light. | * '''[[Adie's tonic pupil]]''': A neurological disorder where one pupil is larger than normal and reacts slowly to light. | ||
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* '''[[Iritis]] or [[uveitis]]''': Inflammation of the iris or uveal tract can cause anisocoria due to irregular pupil shape or size. | * '''[[Iritis]] or [[uveitis]]''': Inflammation of the iris or uveal tract can cause anisocoria due to irregular pupil shape or size. | ||
* '''[[Pharmacological agents]]''': Certain medications or drugs can cause anisocoria by affecting the muscles of the iris. | * '''[[Pharmacological agents]]''': Certain medications or drugs can cause anisocoria by affecting the muscles of the iris. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of anisocoria involves a thorough [[medical history]] and [[physical examination]]. Key steps include: | The diagnosis of anisocoria involves a thorough [[medical history]] and [[physical examination]]. Key steps include: | ||
* '''Observation in different lighting conditions''': To determine if the anisocoria is more pronounced in bright or dim light. | * '''Observation in different lighting conditions''': To determine if the anisocoria is more pronounced in bright or dim light. | ||
* '''Slit-lamp examination''': To assess the anterior segment of the eye for any abnormalities. | * '''Slit-lamp examination''': To assess the anterior segment of the eye for any abnormalities. | ||
* '''Neurological examination''': To check for any associated neurological signs that might indicate a more serious underlying condition. | * '''Neurological examination''': To check for any associated neurological signs that might indicate a more serious underlying condition. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of anisocoria depends on the underlying cause. Physiological anisocoria does not require treatment. Pathological anisocoria requires addressing the underlying condition, which may involve: | Treatment of anisocoria depends on the underlying cause. Physiological anisocoria does not require treatment. Pathological anisocoria requires addressing the underlying condition, which may involve: | ||
* '''Medications''': For conditions like uveitis or iritis. | * '''Medications''': For conditions like uveitis or iritis. | ||
* '''Surgery''': In cases of structural abnormalities or tumors. | * '''Surgery''': In cases of structural abnormalities or tumors. | ||
* '''Observation''': In cases where the cause is benign and self-limiting. | * '''Observation''': In cases where the cause is benign and self-limiting. | ||
== Related pages == | == Related pages == | ||
* [[Pupil]] | * [[Pupil]] | ||
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* [[Iritis]] | * [[Iritis]] | ||
* [[Uveitis]] | * [[Uveitis]] | ||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | [[Category:Ophthalmology]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:09, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Anisocoria | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Unequal pupil sizes |
| Complications | May indicate serious underlying conditions |
| Onset | Can be sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies depending on cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Physiological anisocoria, Horner's syndrome, Adie syndrome, Third nerve palsy, Trauma, Medication |
| Risks | Head injury, Stroke, Brain tumor, Aneurysm |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, Neurological examination, Imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Horner's syndrome, Adie syndrome, Third nerve palsy |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; benign in physiological cases, serious if due to neurological causes |
| Frequency | Common (physiological anisocoria) |
| Deaths | N/A |
Anisocoria is a condition characterized by an unequal size of the pupils. It is a common condition, occurring in approximately 20% of the population. Anisocoria can be a benign finding or a sign of more serious medical conditions.
Causes[edit]
Anisocoria can result from a variety of causes, which can be broadly categorized into physiological and pathological causes.
Physiological Anisocoria[edit]
Physiological anisocoria is a benign condition where the difference in pupil size is usually less than 1 mm and does not change with different lighting conditions. It is often idiopathic and does not require treatment.
Pathological Anisocoria[edit]
Pathological anisocoria can be due to:
- Horner's syndrome: A condition caused by disruption of the sympathetic nerves supplying the eye, leading to ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis.
- Adie's tonic pupil: A neurological disorder where one pupil is larger than normal and reacts slowly to light.
- Third nerve palsy: A condition affecting the third cranial nerve, leading to ptosis, "down and out" eye position, and pupil dilation.
- Iritis or uveitis: Inflammation of the iris or uveal tract can cause anisocoria due to irregular pupil shape or size.
- Pharmacological agents: Certain medications or drugs can cause anisocoria by affecting the muscles of the iris.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of anisocoria involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Key steps include:
- Observation in different lighting conditions: To determine if the anisocoria is more pronounced in bright or dim light.
- Slit-lamp examination: To assess the anterior segment of the eye for any abnormalities.
- Neurological examination: To check for any associated neurological signs that might indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of anisocoria depends on the underlying cause. Physiological anisocoria does not require treatment. Pathological anisocoria requires addressing the underlying condition, which may involve:
- Medications: For conditions like uveitis or iritis.
- Surgery: In cases of structural abnormalities or tumors.
- Observation: In cases where the cause is benign and self-limiting.
