Your eyes not only let you take in all of the beauty in the world, but they also give your doctor clues about your health. That’s why your eye doctor might use various techniques to examine your eyes. One of the most common evaluations includes the PERRLA test.
PERRLA stands for “pupils, equal, round, reactive, light and Accommodation.” Your doctor uses this test to take note of the shape and functionality of your pupils. Thanks to it, they are better able to identify various illnesses, including glaucoma and nerve diseases.
Symptoms and Causes of Non-PERRLA Pupils
Pupils that are not equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation (non-PERRLA pupils) can indicate a problem with the eyes or the nervous system. The pupils are controlled by the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, and any dysfunction or damage to these systems can lead to non-PERRLA pupils.
Some of the common symptoms of non-PERRLA pupils include unequal pupil size, irregularly shaped pupils, and pupils that do not constrict or dilate properly in response to changes in light levels. In some cases, non-PERRLA pupils can be accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, headache, and eye pain.
See also The Guide for Assessing PERRLA
There are many different causes of non-PERRLA pupils, some of the most common include:
- Neurological disorders: Certain neurological conditions such as brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, and stroke can affect the nervous system and cause non-PERRLA pupils.
- Eye disorders: Eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment can also cause non-PERRLA pupils.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as certain antidepressants and antihistamines, can cause non-PERRLA pupils as a side effect.
- Trauma: Trauma to the head or eyes can cause non-PERRLA pupils
In some cases, non-PERRLA pupils may be temporary and resolve on their own, but in other cases, they may be indicative of a more serious condition. It’s important to seek medical attention if you notice non-PERRLA pupils or any other symptoms of eye problems. A comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor can help to determine the cause of the problem and the appropriate treatment.
In conclusion, non-PERRLA pupils can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, eye disorders, medications, and trauma. They can be a sign of a serious condition, and it is important to seek medical attention if you notice them. An eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
What do unreactive pupils indicate?
Unreactive pupils, also known as non-reactive pupils, are pupils that do not constrict or dilate properly in response to changes in light levels. This can indicate a problem with the nervous system that controls the pupils.
Unreactive pupils can be caused by a variety of factors, such as head injury, brain tumors, stroke, certain medications, and certain eye disorders. In some cases, unreactive pupils can also be a sign of a serious condition such as brain death.
It is important to seek medical attention if you notice unreactive pupils or any other symptoms of eye problems, as a comprehensive eye examination by a doctor can help to determine the cause of the problem and the appropriate treatment.
See also How To Check PERRLA By Examining The Pupil
Does glaucoma affect Perrla?
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can result in changes to the pupils. One of the common sign of glaucoma is the constriction of the pupils. In some cases, the pupils may become non-reactive to light, a condition known as “fixed and dilated pupils” . This can cause abnormal PERRLA and can be an early sign of glaucoma.
It’s important for individuals who have risk factors for glaucoma such as high intraocular pressure, family history or are over the age of 40 to have regular eye exams to check for signs of glaucoma and other eye disorders.
