
But severe pupil dilation may require one or more of the following interventions:
DOUBLE PUPIL CONTACTS HOW TO
Treatment: How to Manage Pupil Dilationĭilated pupils typically return to a normal size on their own without treatment. Eye doctors use mydriatics in their practices to induce dilation so they can look deeper into the eye during exams. Mydriatics are medications that intentionally cause pupil dilation. The hormonal boost causes excess dilation. Our brains receive a surge of these hormones when we are romantically or sexually attracted to someone. Oxytocin is often referred to as “the love hormone” and levels of it increase during physical affection. Dopamine is known as “the feel good” hormone, which the body produces when it feels something pleasurable. Sexual ArousalĪn increase in oxytocin and dopamine will cause pupils to dilate. This is why when someone is brought to an emergency room with a head injury or severe head trauma, one of the first things the doctors do is check the person’s eyes. The trauma can impact one eye or both eyes. Brain Disease or TraumaĪ stroke, a brain injury and a brain tumor all affect how pupils dilate. Other substances that directly affect a pupil’s dilation include LSD, amphetamines, cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms and ecstasy. These recreational substances affect the pupil’s response to direct light like oncoming headlights. Recreational Drug UseĪlcohol and drugs like marijuana also affect pupil dilation. It is possible that eye can occur during a surgical procedure like a corneal transplant or cataract surgery. Serious penetrative eye injuries can damage the pupil, causing it to dilate irregularly. Some medications can affect a pupil’s ability to dilate or over-dilate. The most common causes of dilated pupils are: The condition, called mydriasis, is caused by certain medications, eye injuries, brain injuries and sexual arousal. Normal pupil dilation is 2 to 4 millimeters when exposed to bright light and 4 to 8 millimeters in dim light.Īnything beyond 8 millimeters is considered unusual and abnormal pupil dilation. Pupils are the black spots in the center of the eye, and their function is to allow light to enter. But in some cases, medical intervention is needed.

Most cases of dilation are not serious, and the pupils return to normal without treatment. The causes of eye dilation also include medicated eye drops from the eye doctor prior to an eye exam, non-eye-related prescription medications and recreational drug use.
