Adie Syndrome: A Rare Vision Disorder

As a rare visual disorder, Adie Syndrome involves a neurological disorder in which the eye pupil is either hyperdilated or hyperconstricted resulting in the inability of the pupil to adjust to the changing of light levels. This visual abnormality may impact both eye pupils or, in some cases, just one. For individuals suffering from the onset of Adie Syndrome symptoms, the condition is often frightening considering the extent to which the vision is affecting. Understanding the symptoms, methods for diagnosis and the treatment options, may ensure a more calming transition and adaptation to the visual neurological disorder.

Considered a genetic or inherited condition, symptoms of Adie Syndrome commonly involve both of the eyes and, oddly enough, the lower extremities. Most commonly, Adie Syndrome is first recognized or diagnosed in women between age 20 and 40 when the Adie Syndrome symptoms first present as a nervous system disorder in which the deep reflexes of the legs are diminished. Following the dminishment in deep lower extremity reflexes, women, suffering from Adie Syndrome, will begin to notice a loss of visual acuity.

Diagnosing Adie Syndrome usually comes with the onset of lower extremity reflex deterioration resulting in a visit to a healthcare professional who, during the physical examination, may inquiry of visual acuity loss. During examination, using patellar tendon reflex studies, physicians can confirm the lower extremity disorder and then coorelate the condition to the visiual pupil abnormalities. In addition to neurological studes, the opthamologist may opt to test the eye using drops of a diluted .01% pilocarpine solution. While the procedure is not painful, many patients report a delay in restored vision for several hours. As a result, when performing diagnostic studies, in the confirmation of Adie Syndrome, the patient may be required to stay at the clinic for several hours or be accompanied by a companion on the way home. When all other neurological conditions are ruled out, the diagnosis of Adie Syndrome, known as Adie's Pupil, is commonly made when the pupil constriction or dilation is confirmed and coorelated with the loss of deep tendon reflexes in the lower extremities.

the treatment of Adie Syndrome is rather simple as the condition is not progressive and will not deteriorate with age. As standard procedure, reading glasses are required in addition to the use of prescription eye drops in cases of hyperdilation. For many sufferers of Adie Syndrome, complications are rare but, generally, arise when age associated visual deterioration sets in. When this occurs, the age deterioration of vision may further complicate Adie Syndrome leading to few clinical options for improving eye sight.

As with any visual disorder, early diagnosis and intervention is key to maintaining the most optimal of vision health. When suffering from symptoms associated with blurred vision, visit an opthamologist for immediate attention. When symptoms are accompanied by a loss of reflexes in the lower extremities, the opthamologist may recommend a consultation with a neurologist as a way for ruling out, or diagnosing, a condition such as Adie Syndrome. As in most preventative programs, obtaining an annual vision exam, from a reputable optometrist, will further decrease the risk of developing life impacting visual deterioration and provide early intervention in the treatment of genetic or hereditary conditions such as Adie Syndrome.