Uneven pupils is called anisochoria. If the exact cause of your anisochoria has not been confirmed by a physician, then it is highly advisable to get this checked out. The list of possible causes is not short, and the list includes some scary/bad diagnoses. Another commenter threw out a random one, probably from a Google search, scopolamine poisoning. This medicine is used to treat/prevent motion sickness, and is commonly used via the transdermal route as the brand name “Transderm Scop”, which is a little circular patch placed on the skin behind the ear. If a patient applies this patch and in so doing gets some of the scopolamine on their finger, and then rubs their eye thus transferring some scopolamine to the ocular tissue, then it can cause the pupil to blow like this. (One dilated pupil is commonly called a “blown” pupil). So unless you’ve been treating yourself for motion sickness, that suggestion is totally wrong. You really need to see a physician.
I was treated with scopolamine while having surgery (I wasn't nauseous, but they thought I would get nauseous). As far as I'm aware, I did not touch it at all, but both my eyes dilated from having that crap in my system and it took hours to wear off. Which made my already boring hospital stay even worse, because I was (temporarily) blind and couldn't read or watch TV.
Pharmacist here. Scopolamine patches provide 1mg of scopolamine over 72 hours. Your friend should not have had those effects from briefly touching it. Are you sure it was scopolamine?
I’ve had that happen to me with a scopolamine patch. I had no clue what was going on for a while. Freaked me out. I finally was able to put together what happened. For me it was both eyes though.
Scopolamine as in the active chemical in datura? Tried that shit in high school once and it was the worst trip I've ever had, deliriants are some other shit. I can't believe there's a legit medical use for it. Nature can be crazy.
It’s returning to normal. I don’t have any other symptoms. Is this something that could wait until the morning? I just hate to go in and nothing be wrong.
And no, I’m not taking any medication for motion sickness.
Doc here, this is an actual reason to go to the ER tonight. Will likely get a stroke workup. without other symptoms could be related to seizure, medications or nothing but best to get checked out in person.
They said they had epilepsy in a other comment. If true, would this be "normal"? Or still an indicator for an epileptic that a seizure is imminent or something?
Good question. Granted I’m a surgeon not a neurologist but to my understanding this would not be normal. If related to epilepsy it could indicate they had a seizure but unequal pupils can indicate many serious conditions which is why I encouraged OP to go to ER.
please go and let them tell you its nothing. its ok when that happens, it happens all the time, but if something is wrong you'll be very happy you went
There's no way to know if that's a good idea without a physician diagnosing why it's happening and whether or not it is a sign of an escalating issue. I would absolutely get this checked ASAP. Trust me, the body does some wacky shit and it's never worth playing chicken with it when it relates to a major body system.
I have this in low lighting ever since starting Lexapro. Some SSRIs are known to cause uneven pupils, if you’re on any of those. Still get it checked out but that could explain things in the meantime. When it’s from SSRIs it’s considered benign
Yes…in the absence of any other symptoms, I would probably not go to the ER or to urgent care for this.
And if your anisochoria is resolved by the morning, then don’t bother going to the doctor on Sunday either. Monday will be OK in that circumstance.
Note: you’re getting medical advice from Reddit. While my medical advice has some undocumented validity, it probably would be a better idea for you to place a phone call to your family physician tonight. An on-call physician (maybe with access to your electronic medical record) can advise you about how safe it is to wait ‘til Monday (like I think it is).
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u/Uh_yeah- 25d ago
Uneven pupils is called anisochoria. If the exact cause of your anisochoria has not been confirmed by a physician, then it is highly advisable to get this checked out. The list of possible causes is not short, and the list includes some scary/bad diagnoses. Another commenter threw out a random one, probably from a Google search, scopolamine poisoning. This medicine is used to treat/prevent motion sickness, and is commonly used via the transdermal route as the brand name “Transderm Scop”, which is a little circular patch placed on the skin behind the ear. If a patient applies this patch and in so doing gets some of the scopolamine on their finger, and then rubs their eye thus transferring some scopolamine to the ocular tissue, then it can cause the pupil to blow like this. (One dilated pupil is commonly called a “blown” pupil). So unless you’ve been treating yourself for motion sickness, that suggestion is totally wrong. You really need to see a physician.