Eye Abnormalities: Adie's Syndrome Overview

A rare neurological disorder that affects the pupil of the eye is Adie's syndrome. This condition causes the pupil of the eye to dilate improperly, generally resulting in a slow reaction to changes in the light. The eye abnormalities resulting in this condition do not progress over time and the outcome is typically promising. The poor reaction to light stimulation can affect one or both pupils. Although anyone can suffer from this condition, women from 20 to 40 years of age are most likely to develop this syndrome. Currently, there is no cure for this condition but it is not life threatening.

Symptoms of Adie's Syndrome

The symptoms of Adie's syndrome can vary from case to case, but there are certain symptoms that are associated in most patients with the eye abnormalities. Common symptoms of Adie's syndrome include an obvious sensitivity to light and a slow pupil reaction to light stimulation. Headaches are common, as well as the loss of tendon reflexes. Patients with Adie's syndrome often exhibit unequal pupils in the eyes. In some patients, knee and ankle jerks are associated as well as hypotension and heart arrhythmias. Certain areas of the skin may also lack proper sweet secretions.

Causes of Adie's Syndrome

Neuron inflammation from viral or bacterial infections can result in the eye abnormalities of Adie's syndrome. In some cases the condition is hereditary, while in other cases the condition can be a result of other medical complications. Neurological disorders, paresis, and pilocarpine have been associated with causing Adie's syndrome.

Diagnosing Adie's Syndrome

Diagnosing Adie's syndrome can be conducted at home or with professional vision tests conducted by a medical professional. Home eye tests can be purchased from a number of locations. However, for proper diagnosing of Adie's syndrome a medical professional should be sought.

It is important to seek a proper diagnosing for Adie's syndrome because the condition can easily be misdiagnosed for a more severe condition. Adie's syndrome is often misdiagnosed as an age-related occurrence, glaucoma, and cataract. Often, the syndrome can be mistaken for diabetic retinopathy.

Currently, treatment for Adie's syndrome is not needed. There is also no recommended treatment for Adie's syndrome. Basic treatment for this condition involves learning to cope with the poor pupil dilation when the eyes are stimulated by light. Reading glasses may also be prescribed to cope with Adie's syndrome.

References:

"Adie's Syndrome" Healthline.com

"Adie's Syndrome" NCIB.gov

"Adie Syndrome" WebMD.com