The physiological norm of the diameter of the pupil is in the range from 3 to 5 mm. This indicator varies depending on the level of illumination of the surrounding space and the mood of a person. But mydriasis can indicate the disruption of any systems in the body, so it is important to establish the factor that causes the dilated pupils - the causes detected in time will help diagnose and solve the problem.
Why are the pupils of the eyes always enlarged?
If the condition in question is not an innate feature, it can be triggered by the following diseases:
- intracranial injury, which led to bleeding;
- aortic aneurysm;
- encephalitis;
- meningitis;
- inflammatory processes in the eye membrane;
- brain tumor;
- epilepsy;
- botulism;
- chronic or acute headaches, migraine;
- tumor of the lymph node of the upper thoracic cavity;
- glaucoma ;
- difference in intraocular pressure.
Sometimes permanently dilated pupils indicate such causes as intoxication of the body and acute poisoning. As a rule, they develop due to professional activities related to the use of dangerous chemical compounds, as well as with the use of narcotic, hallucinogenic drugs, large doses of alcoholic beverages. It is important to note that even with the abandonment of bad habits and the observance of a healthy lifestyle, the size of the pupils often remains the same, more than 5 mm in diameter.
Why are dilated pupils observed?
In addition to the above factors, provoking mydriasis, it should be noted the side effects of some medications. So, when using Scopolamine, Adrenaline, Atropine and Gomatropin often. In addition, all eye drops that contain tropicamide cause a reversible and short-term dilatation of the pupils. If the solution is injected into only one conjunctival sac, then this pathological condition affects this eye.
It is important to remember that psychological overloads can also lead to the dilated pupils - the reason lies in the powerful release of hormones into the blood (adrenaline, oxytocin, cortisol). Usually, the increase in diameter occurs with negative brain reactions, such as fear, anger, severe pain, prolonged depression. More rarely this size exceeds 5 mm due to excitation and excitement.
In exceptional situations, strongly dilated pupils have genetic causes. Recently, a special disease Bene Dilitatism, which is characterized by the described clinical manifestation, was discovered. It occurs because of partial or complete damage to the optic nerves by various internal (inflammatory process, bacterial, viral or fungal infection, chronic diseases) or external (mechanical injuries and damage) reasons. With Bene Dilitatism, the ability of nerves to respond to a change in light gradually deteriorates, until it completely loses with time. As a result of this process, the pupil constantly
- pain in the eyes from bright light;
- lacrimation and redness of the eyelids;
- photophobia;
- decreased visual acuity in the dark;
- visual distortions in bright light (spots and lines before the eyes, flashes).