Understanding Anisocoria Causes and Treatment

Anisocoria is a condition wherein an eye pupil’s size differs from the other. This condition has various causes, and treatment is done based on the nature of the cause. The condition may be chronic or temporary.

Causes and Symptoms of Anisocoria

Explained by Elite Vision Centers, if you look in the mirror and find that there is something different in your pupil size, the best thing to do is visit your doctor immediately. The doctor will examine your eyes and note your vital signs. You must inform the doctor of any other symptoms that you have experienced or currently experiencing.

Some of the signs and symptoms that you may experience due to this condition include eye pain, stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to light, fever, and vision changes.

A variety of things can cause anisocoria; possible causes include direct trauma to the eye, skull bleeding (also known as intracerebral hemorrhage), or after a blood vessel bursts in the brain (stroke). A concussion can also cause anisocoria, and it requires immediate medical treatment because of its severe symptoms.

Meningitis is also a possible cause and characterized by the inflammation of the spinal cord and brain membranes. A seizure is also another cause; it is caused by changes in the electrical activity of the brain causing noticeable symptoms. Brain tumors, optic nerve inflammation, and aneurysm can also cause anisocoria.

Treatment and Prevention of Anisocoria

The doctor will order some tests depending on the medical history and symptoms of an individual to help diagnose the cause of anisocoria. These tests include MRI, eye exams, X-ray, blood differential, CT scan, complete blood count, and spinal tap or lumbar puncture.

Note that if you have experienced a head injury before, changes in the size of your pupils might be visible. You may also suffer from severe brain, eye, or neck injury. Therefore, it is crucial to see your doctor promptly and get tests done as soon as possible, as this might be an emergency case.

Your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of anisocoria. Antiviral eye drops or antibiotics are the conventional treatments prescribed by the doctor.

If you are experiencing abnormal growth such as a brain tumor, removal surgery may be recommended by your doctor. Available treatments for a brain tumor may also include chemotherapy and radiation therapy; these treatments help shrink the growth of tumors.

To reduce the risk of developing uneven pupil size, you need to report any changes in your vision to your doctor immediately. Always wear a seatbelt when driving, wear protective gear for heavy machinery use, put on a helmet during cycling, horseback riding or playing contact sports; some anisocoria causes are impossible to prevent and predict. The idea is to avoid any impact on your head, thus preventing possible head injuries.

Uneven pupil size can be temporary; it is usually considered normal without requiring any treatment. If you happen to notice something different regarding the size of your pupils, seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will recommend the best possible treatment based on the cause of your anisocoria.