How is my Optic Nerve,
Doctor?
Doctor?
Diagnosis
Pupil Examination
Pupil Examination
Before actually examining your eyes, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, medical conditions, and prior eye problems. It is important to provide accurate information as well as a listing of all medications (both tablets and eye drops) that you are using.
Normal shrinking of the pupil to light and opening in the absence of light indicate that the visual pathway from the eye to the brain is intact and still working (Figure 3). A comparison of the light response of the two pupils may reveal that the visual pathway in one or both eyes is damaged.
In glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged and the visual pathway does not function normally. Therefore, the response of the pupil to light may be abnormal.
In addition to glaucoma, other optic nerve diseases, prior eye injury or surgery, and certain medications also can affect the response of the pupil to light. Certain medications used to treat glaucoma affect the muscles influencing pupil size, and your pupil may not react at all.
Before actually examining your eyes, your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, medical conditions, and prior eye problems. It is important to provide accurate information as well as a listing of all medications (both tablets and eye drops) that you are using.
Normal shrinking of the pupil to light and opening in the absence of light indicate that the visual pathway from the eye to the brain is intact and still working (Figure 3). A comparison of the light response of the two pupils may reveal that the visual pathway in one or both eyes is damaged.
In glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged and the visual pathway does not function normally. Therefore, the response of the pupil to light may be abnormal.
In addition to glaucoma, other optic nerve diseases, prior eye injury or surgery, and certain medications also can affect the response of the pupil to light. Certain medications used to treat glaucoma affect the muscles influencing pupil size, and your pupil may not react at all.