TONIC PUPIL SYNDROME

SYMPTOMS

Typically, the pupil constricts in the presence of light, or when focusing on objects in proximity. The pupil usually dilates when it is dim, when focusing on distal objects, or when a person is in fight-or-flight mode. In tonic pupil syndrome, these usual responses to stimuli do not occur.

The affected pupil is bigger than usual and does not constrict to a normal extent or does not constrict at all in response to light stimuli, in the plurality of patients with tonic pupil syndrome. When focusing on objects in proximity,  the patient’s pupil constricts sluggishly. However, the opposite may be true for some patients with the syndrome. Despite this, most patients with the condition have inferior or absent reflexes. Other symptoms of a person presenting with tonic pupil syndrome may include:

• Emotional disturbances
• Facial pain
• Blurry vision
• Headache

The disorder does not progress and is oftentimes not debilitating. Lesions to a particular region of the third neurons might cause the absence of or inferior reflexes. Although the etiology remains to be unknown, scientists have determined lesions in certain nerves in some people.

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis of tonic pupil syndrome can be determined through the administration of dilute pilocarpine – a drug in the form of eye drops, to examine the pupil’s response to light. Upon dropping dilute pilocarpine to the eyes, the pupil which does not constrict in response to light will constrict due to the dilute pilocarpine.

TREATMENT

• Corrective lenses
• Genetic counseling