Blown Pupil: What It Is and What It Means

Have you ever noticed that your pupils change size depending on the light? This is a normal and natural response that helps your eyes adjust to different environments. But what if your pupils are abnormally large and do not react to light at all? This condition is called a blown pupil, and it can be a sign of a serious problem in your brain.

In this blog post, we will explain what a blown pupil is, what causes it, what symptoms it can produce, and how it is treated. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this condition.

What is a blown pupil?

A blown pupil is a medical term that describes a pupil that is largely dilated (expanded) and unresponsive to light. Normally, your pupils constrict (shrink) when exposed to bright light and dilate when in the dark. This helps regulate the amount of light that enters your eyes and reaches your retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye.

A blown pupil, however, does not change size or react to light at all. It stays fixed and wide open, regardless of the light conditions. This can affect one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral). When only one eye is affected, it is also called anisocoria, which means unequal pupil size.

A blown pupil is not a disease by itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem in your brain. It indicates that something is putting pressure on or damaging the nerves that control your eye muscles and pupil size. This can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, stroke, tumor, bleeding, infection, or drugs.

What causes a blown pupil?

There are many possible causes of a blown pupil, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: serious and less serious.

Serious causes

The most common and dangerous cause of a blown pupil is a brain injury that affects the upper brain stem and the third cranial nerve. The brain stem is the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The third cranial nerve is one of the 12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain and control eye movements and pupil size.

When the brain stem or the third cranial nerve is compressed or damaged by trauma, stroke, swelling, bleeding, tumor, or infection, it can result in a blown pupil. This is also called third nerve palsy. This condition can be life-threatening, as it can lead to brain herniation, which is when the brain tissue shifts and squeezes through the openings in the skull. Brain herniation can cause irreversible brain damage, coma, or death.

Some signs of a serious brain injury that can cause a blown pupil are:

• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• Vision problems or double vision
• Seizures

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. A blown pupil can be a sign of a medical emergency that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.

Less serious causes

Not all cases of a blown pupil are caused by a serious brain injury. Sometimes, a blown pupil can be caused by exposure to certain substances that affect the nerves or muscles of the eye. These substances can be drugs, chemicals, or plants that have anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergics are substances that block the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is involved in transmitting nerve impulses that control involuntary muscle movements, such as pupil constriction.

Some examples of anticholinergic substances that can cause a blown pupil are:

• Eye drops that are used to dilate the pupils before an eye exam or surgery
• Medications that are used to treat asthma, allergies, motion sickness, depression, or Parkinson’s disease
• Plants that contain anticholinergic compounds, such as angel’s trumpet, jimson weed, or belladonna

In these cases, the blown pupil is usually temporary and reversible, as the effect of the substance wears off. However, some of these substances can also have other harmful effects on the body, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, increased heart rate, confusion, hallucinations, or overdose. Therefore, it is important to use them with caution and follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the symptoms of a blown pupil?

The most obvious symptom of a blown pupil is having one or both pupils that appear abnormally large and do not react to light. This can make your eyes look different or uneven, and it can affect your vision and sensitivity to light.

Some other symptoms that can accompany a blown pupil are:

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Headache
• Blurry vision in the affected eye(s)
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Droopy eyelid (ptosis)
• Difficulty moving the eye(s) in certain directions

The severity and duration of these symptoms depend on the cause and extent of the brain or eye injury. Some symptoms may be mild and temporary, while others may be severe and permanent.

How is a blown pupil diagnosed?

If you notice a sudden, unexplained change in your pupil size, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. An eye doctor can examine your eyes and perform some tests to determine the cause and severity of your condition.

Some of the tests that an eye doctor may use to diagnose a blown pupil are:

• Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see at different distances. You will be asked to read letters or numbers on a chart or a screen.
• Pupillary light reflex test: This test evaluates how your pupils react to light. A bright light will be shone into your eyes, and the size and shape of your pupils will be observed.
• Slit-lamp exam: This test uses a special microscope and a beam of light to examine the structures of your eye, such as the cornea, iris, lens, and retina.
• Ocular motility test: This test assesses how well you can move your eyes in different directions. You will be asked to follow a moving object or a finger with your eyes.
• Fundus exam: This test uses an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to look at the back of your eye, where the optic nerve and the blood vessels are located.
• Neurological exam: This test evaluates your brain function and nerve activity. You will be asked to perform some tasks that involve your senses, reflexes, coordination, memory, and speech.
• Imaging tests: These tests use machines that create images of your brain, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests can help detect any abnormalities or injuries in your brain that may cause a blown pupil.

How is a blown pupil treated?

The treatment for a blown pupil depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to relieve the pressure or damage on the brain or the eye nerves and muscles, and to prevent further complications.

Some of the possible treatments for a blown pupil are:

• Medications: These can include drugs that reduce swelling, inflammation, pain, or infection in the brain or the eye. They can also include drugs that reverse the effects of anticholinergic substances that cause a blown pupil.
• Surgery: This can involve removing or repairing the source of pressure or damage in the brain, such as a blood clot, a tumor, or a fracture. It can also involve repairing or restoring the function of the eye nerves or muscles, such as by implanting a device or grafting a tissue.
• Eye patch: This can help protect the affected eye from light and prevent further irritation or injury. It can also help reduce double vision or improve visual acuity in some cases.
• Glasses or contact lenses: These can help correct any refractive errors or vision problems that may result from a blown pupil. They can also help filter or block excess light that may cause discomfort or damage to the eye.
• Rehabilitation: This can involve physical, occupational, or speech therapy that can help you recover from the effects of a brain or eye injury. It can also involve counseling or support groups that can help you cope with the emotional and psychological impact of your condition.

FAQs about blown pupil

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about blown pupil and their answers.

Q: Can a blown pupil heal on its own?

A: It depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some cases of blown pupil may resolve on their own, especially if they are caused by temporary or reversible factors, such as drugs or eye drops. However, some cases of blown pupil may not heal on their own, especially if they are caused by permanent or progressive factors, such as brain damage or tumor. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice a change in your pupil size or reaction.

Q: Can a blown pupil cause blindness?

A: It is possible, but not very common. A blown pupil can affect your vision and sensitivity to light, but it does not necessarily mean that you will lose your sight completely. However, a blown pupil can be a sign of a serious brain or eye injury that can cause other complications that may affect your vision, such as optic nerve damage, retinal detachment, or glaucoma. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice a change in your pupil size or reaction.

Q: Can a blown pupil be prevented?

A: Not always, but you can take some steps to reduce your risk of developing a blown pupil. Some of these steps are:

• Avoid or limit your exposure to substances that can cause a blown pupil, such as drugs, chemicals, or plants. If you need to use them for medical reasons, follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist and report any side effects.
• Wear protective gear, such as helmets, goggles, or seat belts, when engaging in activities that can cause head or eye trauma, such as sports, driving, or working.
• Seek regular eye exams and check-ups to monitor your eye health and detect any problems early.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that can prevent or reduce the risk of conditions that can cause a blown pupil, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or infections. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.

Q: Can a blown pupil be inherited?

A: No, a blown pupil is not a genetic condition that can be passed down from parents to children. However, some people may have a congenital condition that affects their pupil size or reaction, such as Horner’s syndrome, Adie’s syndrome, or Marcus Gunn pupil. These conditions are not the same as a blown pupil, but they can cause anisocoria or abnormal pupil response. These conditions are usually benign and do not require treatment, unless they cause vision problems or discomfort.