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What Pupil Dilation Means: Dilated Pupils
What is Mydriasis?
Mydriasis is the medical term for pupil dilation. Pupils are the black circles in the center of your eyes that let light in.
When you are in a dark room, your pupils dilate to let in more light.
When you are in a bright room, your pupils constrict to let in less light.
What Causes Pupil Dilation?
There are many things that can cause pupil dilation, including:
- Low light
- Certain medications, such as atropine and scopolamine
- Recreational drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
- Certain medical conditions, such as Horner's syndrome and Adie's pupil
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries
What Does Pupil Dilation Mean?
In most cases, pupil dilation is a normal response to changes in light levels.
However, in some cases, pupil dilation can be a sign of a medical condition.
If you are experiencing pupil dilation along with other symptoms, such as headache, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Pupil Dilation and Horner's Syndrome
Horner's syndrome is a condition that affects the nerves that control the muscles in your face.
It can cause pupil dilation, drooping eyelid, and decreased sweating on one side of your face.
Horner's syndrome is usually caused by a problem with the nerves in your neck or chest.
Pupil Dilation and Adie's Pupil
Adie's pupil is a condition that affects the nerves that control the muscles in your eye.
It can cause pupil dilation, slow pupil constriction, and difficulty focusing on near objects.
Adie's pupil is usually caused by a problem with the nerves in your eye.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing pupil dilation along with other symptoms, such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drooping eyelid
- Decreased sweating on one side of your face
- Difficulty focusing on near objects
Conclusion
Pupil dilation is a normal response to changes in light levels.
However, in some cases, pupil dilation can be a sign of a medical condition.
If you are experiencing pupil dilation along with other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.