The dilated pupil, whose technical name is midriasis, usually does not represent major problems, being only situational and returning to normal shortly thereafter. However, when pupils take time to return to normal, have different sizes, or do not respond to light stimuli, this can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as a stroke, brain tumor, or head trauma, for example.
Students are structures present in the eyes responsible for regulating the entry of light and ensuring the quality and clarity of the vision. In normal situations, the pupil reacts to light stimuli by expanding or contracting depending on the amount of light.
- The pupil can expand in several situations.
- Being.
- In most cases.
- Completely normal.
- Some situations that can cause the pupil to dilate include:.
In addition, students can expand when you try to think or if you’re too focused to do a particular task, for example. As soon as the situation that requires concentration and attention ends or when interest is lost, students return to normal.
Dilation can be a serious problem when the pupil does not respond to stimuli and remains dilated, this situation is called paralytic midriasis, which can occur in one or both eyes. Therefore, if the pupil does not return to normal after a few hours or days, it is important to see the doctor, as it may be a head injury, a tumor or an aneurysm, for example.
It is common for students to be evaluated after accidents, which is done by stimulating students with a flashlight. The goal is to check if students are reacting to the light stimulus and thus be able to indicate the general condition of the person. If there is no reaction, remain dilated or have different sizes, this can mean head trauma or increased intracranial pressure, for example.
The dilated pupil is generally not severe and does not require treatment. The dilated pupil usually returns to normal in a short time, but if the pupil dilates for eye exams, it may take a few hours.
However, when it occurs due to the use of medications or brain problems, for example, it is the family doctor or neurologist who must identify the cause and begin treatment.