Yeungnam Univ J Med.  2017 Jun;34(1):11-18. 10.12701/yujm.2017.34.1.11.

Approach to pupillary abnormalities via anatomical pathways

• Kim SH

• KMID: 2400324
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.1.11

Abstract

The pupillary size and movement are controlled dynamically by the autonomic nervous system; the parasympathetic system constricts the iris, while the sympathetic system dilates the iris. Under normal conditions, these constrictions and dilations occur identically in both eyes. Asymmetry in the pupillomotor neural input or output leads to impaired pupillary movement on one side and an unequal pupil size between both eyes. Anisocoria is one of the most common signs in neuro-ophthalmology, and the neurological disorders that frequently cause anisocoria include serious diseases, such as vascular dissection, fistula, and aneurysm. A careful history and examination can identify and localize pupillary disorders and provide a guide for appropriate evaluations.

Keyword

Pupil; Anisocoria; Horner's syndrome; Tonic pupil

MeSH Terms

Aneurysm
Anisocoria
Autonomic Nervous System
Constriction
Fistula
Horner Syndrome
Iris
Nervous System Diseases
Pupil
Pupil Disorders
Tonic Pupil