General Information About Anisocoria
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where the diameters of the black circles in the middle of the eye (pupils) are different from each other, taking on an asymmetrical appearance.
It can be physiological (a normal congenital difference) or it can be caused by brain tumors, aneurysms, glaucoma (eye pressure) drops, eye traumas, or paralysis of the third cranial nerve.
If the difference between the pupils is new and appears suddenly, and is accompanied by a headache, double vision, droopy eyelid (ptosis), or confusion, this points to a neurological emergency.
Horner's Syndrome is a condition associated with nerve damage in the neck or brain vessels, presenting with anisocoria (shrinking of one pupil), a droopy eyelid, and loss of sweating on that side of the face.
The ophthalmologist examines the pupils' reaction to light in both dark and bright environments. When necessary, pharmacological eye drop tests and an MRI for underlying brain lesions are performed.
Anisocoria is not a disease by itself, but a symptom. Therefore, while physiological anisocoria requires no treatment; in other cases, treatment is directed toward eliminating the brain or eye disease (tumor, vascular disease) causing the problem.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
