General Information About Polycoria
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition of having more than one (a second or third) pupillary opening in the iris, the colored part of the eye, instead of the normally single pupil, due to a congenital or acquired defect.
True Polycoria: The extra pupil(s) have their own sphincter muscles (just like the main pupil), meaning they can constrict in light and dilate in the dark. It is extremely rare worldwide.
Pseudopolycoria: The extra opening does not have its own muscles; it is merely a lifeless hole in the iris resulting from a tear or atrophy (thinning) that lets light through. It is commonly seen after eye trauma or iris diseases.
No, it does not directly cause blindness. However, because light enters the eye from two different points (foci) simultaneously, the brain struggles to merge these two images.
Symptoms include double or blurred vision in a single eye (monocular diplopia), glare due to extra light entering, severe light sensitivity (photophobia), and a decrease in visual acuity.
Diagnosis is made during an outpatient examination by an ophthalmologist using a Slit Lamp (Biomicroscope), which clearly visualizes the holes in the iris and muscle activities.
If the patient's vision is good and they do not experience light sensitivity, treatment is unnecessary. However, if double vision complicates life, the first step is the use of cosmetic/prescription contact lenses (with a black center) that completely cover the extra hole. If lenses are ineffective, 'Pupilloplasty' (iris repair surgery) is performed to suture or cauterize the extra holes, creating a single focal point.
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.
