If there are signs of pathological anisocoria, the doctor will look at any underlying causes before proceeding with treatment. Physiologic anisocoria is usually harmless and therefore, typically doesn't require any treatment. The treatment plan for anisocoria depends on the type of anisocoria, and it's underlying causes. Can you fix anisocoria?ĭepending on the type of anisocoria, in some cases, it is possible to fix. For example if the difference is greatest in dark conditions, the smaller pupil is the abnormal one and may indicate Horner’s syndrome. The pupil that changes the least is the abnormal one. They will look at the difference in diameter in the light and compare it to dimly lit environment. Pathological anisocoria is diagnosed by medical professionals who will examine how the pupils react to light. Does anisocoria affect vision?Īnisocoria itself can cause problems due to too much light or too little light entering the eye, hence difficulty with glare, or not being able to see well in the dark. Physiologic anisocoria is the most common form, with between 15-30% of the population experiencing it. There is no underlying medical issue with this type of anisocoria.

Mild anisocoria is referred to as simple anisocoria, benign anisocoria or physiologic anisocoria. Mild anisocoria is relatively common and may be considered normal when one pupil is bigger than the other by less than 2.0mm. The punch scratched his eyeball and caused a paralysis of the muscles which contract the iris. This is why Bowie is often mistaken for having heterochromia, (a condition which causes each iris to be a different colour.)īowie's anisocoria was permanent and was the result of being punched in the eye by a school friend. Bowie did not have different coloured eyes, but his left pupil was much larger and so appeared much darker. (Having two different coloured eyes is known as heterochromia). Bowie’s eyes were blue and not different colours. David Bowie Eyesĭavid Bowie's eyes, which are considered to be iconic, are the result of anisocoria. Anisocoria caused by nervous system disorders are often accompanied by double vision, strabismus or a drooping eyelid.īrain disorders causing anisocoria include strokes, tumours and haemorrhage (head injury). While the cause is unknown, it is associated with eye trauma including trauma caused by cataract surgeryĭamaged nerves in the brain or spinal can cause neurological disorders, which may result in anisocoria.Īn example of this is Horner's Syndrome, where there is interruption of the nerve supply that subserves our “fright /fight / flight /.

Adie's tonic pupil-in this case, the pupil affected does not respond to light.

Inflammation of the iris, also known as anterior uveitis.Eye medications such as pilocarpine eye drops used to treat glaucoma.More significant anisocoria can be a sign of many different factors. Many cases of mild anisocoria don't have underlying causes and are classed as normal. If you think that you have any of the above in association with anisocoria, you should seek medical attention. The following symptoms may occur depending on the cause of anisocoria: What symptoms may be associated with anisocoria? In most cases of anisocoria, unequal pupils are not usually significant enough for anyone to notice. It can even leave you with one eye appearing smaller than the other on a permanent basis. The pupils are effectively holes that allow the light through to the back of the eye.Īnisocoria is temporary in some cases but can also be experienced on a regular basis. Your pupils are the black circles in the centre of your eyes, and your eye pupil size is usually the same. Medically reviewed by Alastair Lockwood on 04 March 2021 What causes anisocoria?Īnisocoria is a condition where one of the pupils in your eye is a different size to the other.

Unequal pupil size sometimes