When your pupils are small, this condition is medically called miosis or pinpoint pupils. It means the pupils are constricted or abnormally small, typically less than 2 millimeters in diameter
Common causes of small pupils include:
- Bright light exposure: Pupils naturally constrict in bright light to limit the amount of light entering the eye
- Medications and drugs: Certain prescription drugs (like those for anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures) and illicit drugs (such as opioids) can cause pupil constriction
- Eye or brain injury: Trauma to the eye or head, including concussion or internal hemorrhage, may cause small pupils
- Neurological conditions: Conditions like Horner’s syndrome, brainstem stroke, or nerve damage can lead to abnormally small pupils
- Eye inflammation: Inflammation inside the eye (iritis or uveitis) can cause pupils to constrict due to pain or irritation
- Aging: Pupils naturally get smaller with age and may respond slower to changes in light
- Other health issues: Rare conditions such as Adie’s tonic pupil, cluster headaches, or late-stage syphilis can also cause small pupils
When small pupils may indicate a serious problem:
- If accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, slurred speech, or vision changes, it could signal a stroke or neurological emergency
- After a head injury, abnormal pupil size warrants urgent medical evaluation
- Persistent small pupils with eye pain or vision disturbances should be assessed by a healthcare professional
In summary, small pupils can be a normal response to light or aging, but they can also indicate drug effects, eye or brain injury, or serious neurological conditions requiring medical attention
