Adie's Pupil

Adie's Pupil

What is Adie's Pupil?

Adie's pupil, also called tonic pupil, is mainly seen in young women. Most patients have unilateral eye involvement. The pupil of the affected side is significantly larger than that on the healthy side. The direct and indirect light reflection from the pupil on the affected side disappears.

It manifests as unilateral or bilateral pupil dilation, direct and indirect loss or weakening of light reflection, abnormal adjustment reflex, and pupil contraction disorder.

The affected pupil may be more dilated than normal and might be slower to respond to light. Adie syndrome also produces other symptoms, such as vision changes and a loss of deep reflexes. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown, though inflammation or nerve damage may play a role.

Adie's pupil is usually secondary to eye diseases, including infections, tumors, autoimmune diseases, and trauma; however, it can also be associated with systemic diseases with autonomic dysfunction.

There is no cure for Adie's pupil, but there are ways to relieve some of the symptoms. Your doctor may suggest: glasses to improve reading or near vision. sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity.

Adie's pupil is usually secondary to eye diseases, including infections, tumors, autoimmune diseases, and trauma; however, it can also be associated with systemic diseases with autonomic dysfunction.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

In most instances, treatment will not be necessary. Glasses may be prescribed to correct blurred vision; sunglasses can help individuals with sensitivity to light. Therapy using dilute pilocarpine may improve poor depth perception and relieve glare in some patients. The loss of deep tendon reflexes is permanent.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

  • Special diagnostic eye drops. Your ophthalmologist gives you these drops to see how the pupil responds.
  • A slit-lamp exam. This device magnifies and illuminates your pupils.
  • Pupil response testing. Your doctor will want to see how your pupil responds to bright light and low light.

Book an Appointment

arrow arrow