The dilated pupil, whose technical name is mydriasis, usually does not represent major problems, being only situational and returning to normal shortly afterwards. However, when the pupils are slow to return to normal, have different sizes or do not react to light stimuli, it can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as heart attack, brain tumor or breathing problems, for example.
Pupils are structures present in the eyes responsible for regulating the entry of light and ensuring quality and sharpness of vision. In normal situations, the pupil reacts to light stimuli by expanding or contracting according to the amount of light.
Main causes
The pupil can dilate in several situations, being, in most cases, completely normal. Some situations that can lead to pupil dilation are:
- Use of eyedrops, especially those used to make eye exams, which are used precisely to dilate the pupils and allow the visualization of the fundus. Learn more about the eye exam; Decreased amount of oxygen in the brain, which may be due to breathing problems or poisoning, for example; Situations that cause pain, which leads to pupil dilation according to the intensity of the pain; Situations of stress, tension, fear or shock; Brain damage, either due to accidents or due to the presence of a brain tumor - see what are the main symptoms of brain tumor; Use of drugs, such as amphetamine and LSD, for example, which in addition to causing psychological and behavioral changes, can also lead to physical changes. Know what are the signs that can indicate the use of drugs; Physical attraction, which is often associated with pupil dilation, however dilation cannot be used as a measure of sexual desire or attraction.
In addition, the pupils can dilate when you are making a lot of effort to think or if you are too focused to perform a certain task, for example. As soon as the situation that demands focus and attention ends or when interest is lost, the pupils return to normal.
When it can be dangerous
The dilation can mean a more serious problem when the pupil does not react to stimuli and remains dilated, being this situation called paralytic mydriasis, which can happen in one or both eyes. Therefore, if the pupil does not return to normal after a few hours or days, it is important to seek medical help, as it may be respiratory problems, head trauma, infarction or aneurysm, for example.
It is common for pupils to be evaluated after accidents, which is done by stimulating the pupils with a flashlight. This aims to verify whether the pupils react to the light stimulus and, thus, to be able to indicate the general state of the person. If there is no reaction, remain dilated or have different sizes, it can mean head trauma or increased intracranial pressure, for example.
How the treatment is done
The dilated pupil is usually not severe, requiring no treatment. Usually the dilated pupil returns to normal in a short time, but in the case of dilation of the pupil to perform eye exams, it may take a few hours.
However, when it occurs due to heart or brain problems, for example, it is up to the cardiologist or neurologist to identify the cause and start treatment.
