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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Iris Spasm - intermittent rapid contractions
Answered by
Michael J Kutryb, MD - Ophthalmology, Cataract Surgery, glaucoma, Laser Vision Correct
Kutryb Eye Institute - Titusville
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Iris Spasm - intermittent rapid contractions
by alicezb, Jul 02, 2008 03:47PM
My left eye periodically becomes more dilated than my right; this is accompanied by spasms which rapidly contract & expand the pupil for up to twenty minutes. I only notice this when it's acute enough to cause blurry vision and/or watery eyes, so it may happen more often than I realize.
There is no twitching of the eyelid or surrounding area, and it is rarely painful. I did have a serious head injury (more than a concussion, but no skull fracture) 17 years ago, but I I only noticed these symptoms about 8 years ago and it happened very rarely up until about a month ago. I discussed these symptoms with an ophthalmologist about 3 years ago who tested for glaucoma, he said I didn't have it and I am not in a risk group for this. I have none of the glaucoma symptoms listed online. I'm not on medication beyond occasional ibuprofen, and have no known allergies. I don't have a high caffeine intake, nor do I use other stimulants. It doesn't seem linked to spikes in stress or anxiety.
Since I don't have medical insurance, I am reluctant to book an appointment for what may be just a rare quirk with no known treatment. However, I worry this might be an indication of degenerative disease or damage. Please let me know if this is something I should be concerned about, or just monitor for other changes.
Thanks in advance for your advice,
Alice
There is no twitching of the eyelid or surrounding area, and it is rarely painful. I did have a serious head injury (more than a concussion, but no skull fracture) 17 years ago, but I I only noticed these symptoms about 8 years ago and it happened very rarely up until about a month ago. I discussed these symptoms with an ophthalmologist about 3 years ago who tested for glaucoma, he said I didn't have it and I am not in a risk group for this. I have none of the glaucoma symptoms listed online. I'm not on medication beyond occasional ibuprofen, and have no known allergies. I don't have a high caffeine intake, nor do I use other stimulants. It doesn't seem linked to spikes in stress or anxiety.
Since I don't have medical insurance, I am reluctant to book an appointment for what may be just a rare quirk with no known treatment. However, I worry this might be an indication of degenerative disease or damage. Please let me know if this is something I should be concerned about, or just monitor for other changes.
Thanks in advance for your advice,
Alice
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J Kutryb, MD, Jul 02, 2008 09:22PM
, Jul 02, 2008 09:22PM
Yes, if what you saying is truly happening, then I would be a little concerned. The problem is that it may not happen when you go to see the doctor. You could have something as simple as Adies Tonic Pupil or something more complicated like a complex migraine, or partial 3rd nerve palsy. I really don't have the answers for you here from your description but I've heard enough to tell you that you should see an ophthalmologist for an evaluation.
Michael Kutryb, MD
Michael Kutryb, MD
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