Enlarged pupils in bright lights

[munchkin6060]

My daugther has Epilepsy and we have noticed that when she goes into rooms that are very bright her pupils become very large. I check main and my husbands which are normal size.

I woundered why this was happening and would be greatful for any feed back .

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear munchkin6060,

I would recommend that you take your daughter to an eyeMD to determine whether what you notice is normal or not.  Pupil size may vary among individuals and age; however, it usually constricts, not dilates with bright light.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It could be that she has very blue eyes and naturally large pupils or possibly it could be a medication side effect.  If the pupils are equal in size and both react the same to light - that is a good sign.  I would make sure to mention it to her physician and have a referral to a pedatric ophthalmologist for a more thorough evaluation regardless.

MJK MD

[munchkin6060]

Thank you for your replies.

She does have blue eyes and both pupils react in the same way.

Also the size of her pupils do become very large indeed where you can only see very little of her actual colour.

I will bring this up on her next appointment.