larger pupil than the other

[nursie500]

recently my left pupil became a lot larger than the other, could this be a sign of an anurysm or something bad?


This discussion is related to One pupil bigger than the other.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

It could be and should be checked out as soon as possible by a neuroophthalmologist. Find one at www.aao.org

JCH MD

[mierfamily]

While recently at work my eyes began to be slightly sensitive to light and a strange sensation affecting my sight, very hard to describe.  I went to the restroom to splash my face with some water and noticed in the mirror that my left pupil was larger than my right. I called an eye doctor and they looked at it, however could not find anything of concern that would be causing the symptom other than a very small split in the retina.  He suggested going to a neuro ocular surgeon, but I don't have insurance and cannot afford.  Can you tell me the occurrence of pupil difference of size with sudden oncoming and staying persistent is usually nothing, or something I should be concerned with and spend my money to get it tested? This has never happened before two weeks ago and now is a common occurance.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

A split in the retina will not cause pupil dilation.

Since this is now a common occurence it needs to be checked out. See an Neuroophthalmolgist. Take in some picture, full face showing pupils good taken 5 10 and 15 years ago. Do not let the staff put any eye drops in before you are examined by the Eye MD..

Find an Eye near you at www.aao.org  If you have health insurance it will cover it.
JCH MD

[xxAmeliaoo]

I have had uneven pupils for a while now.  [right pupil suddenly became bigger, and stayed that way.]  I have also had vision loss in my left eye.  Went to an Opthalomolgist and he said nothing wrong with my eyes.  Went and got a Cat scan [w/o contrast] which showed nothing.. Went to an neurologist and he said possible pituatary tumor.. I have yet to hear when my MRI is scheduled and this enrages me because I am loosing more and more vision every day!!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

xxAmeliaoo  Your problem is not anything like the other people postings. They had unequal pupil size with no loss of vision and no other findings.

Visual loss with dilated pupil is a totally different problem and ultra serious. The causes can be hard to diagnose. Pituitary problems are high on the list.

JCH MD

[ClarissaB]

My son was shot in the eye with a bb gun about three years ago. His eye filled with blood and he was given eye drops... Today, his pupil suddenly is dilated to about 10 cm. The other eye is normal. Even in bright sunlight it remains dilated. Could this be related to his previous injury? He has no other neurological symptoms.