Uneven Eyes (Anisocoria)-Asymmetrical Eyes Treatment NYC

While you may not like the way your asymmetrical eyes make you look, they usually don’t affect your eyesight. Uneven eyes sometimes benefit from anisocoria treatment, however, with the use of an eyepatch or eye exercises. The main reason you want to find an experienced eye doctor who knows how to fix asymmetrical eyes is to ensure the underlying cause of the disorder is managed efficiently. In NYC, call Eye Physicians for exceptional Adie syndrome treatment and other eye health management.

    What Is Anisocoria?

    Anisocoria is the medical term for uneven or asymmetrical eyes. It’s a disease in which your pupils differ in size in each eye. This size difference can be subtle or apparent. Normally, pupils dilate or constrict in response to variations in light levels. But anisocoria can cause pupils to respond differently. Uneven eyes are not uncommon and can affect people of all ages. The condition may or may not be related to an underlying medical problem.

    The prognosis for anisocoria depends on its root cause and how well it can be managed or treated. You must work closely with your eye doctor to identify the reason you developed the disorder and come up with an effective anisocoria treatment plan for your specific situation.

    Early diagnosis and management results in better outcomes. For that to happen, you need to consult an optometrist near me in New York City who knows how to fix asymmetrical eyes. The best eye doctors in the city are Downtown Manhattan at Eye Physicians.

    Not only do they know how to treat anisocoria, but they also treat a wide range of other common and complicated eye conditions, including:

    Anisocoria

    What Are the Common Symptoms of Anisocoria?

    Common symptoms of anisocoria, or uneven pupil size, vary depending on the underlying cause.

    Other than a noticeable difference in pupil size between the two eyes, some other common symptoms may include:

    • Changes in pupil size that aren’t connected to light changes
    • Blurred and Headaches or double vision
    • Eye pain or discomfort
    • Headaches, especially if the anisocoria stems from a neurological disease
    • Drooping eyelids (ptosis), particularly if you also suffer from Horner’s syndrome

    Adie syndrome, commonly known as Adie’s pupil, can cause anisocoria. This disorder occurs when the nerves that govern pupil size are damaged and usually affects only one eye. The afflicted pupil reacts slowly to light and remains dilated even under bright settings.

    Before recommending Adie syndrome treatment, your New York eye experts evaluate this disorder based on symptoms that may include:

    • Blurred vision, especially while reading close-up
    • Difficulty focusing on close items
    • Reduced or missing deep tendon reflexes

    Symptom management is often the primary goal of Adie syndrome treatment. Prescription glasses, pupil-constricting drugs such as pilocarpine eye drops, and vision therapy exercises are also options for improving eyesight. Symptom management strategies, such as wearing sunglasses to combat photophobia, are also recommended. Regular monitoring by an eye specialist is required to detect changes and maintain optimal eye health.

    Can Asymmetrical Eyes Be Fixed?

    Understanding the causes of anisocoria is important for you to get a proper diagnosis and discover how to treat anisocoria.

    In addition to Adie syndrome, common causes of uneven eyes include:

    • Eye or head trauma that impairs pupil nerve or muscle control
    • Underlying conditions such as glaucoma, eye inflammation or iritis, which all damage pupil-related structures
    • Neurological disorders such as tumors or brainstem diseases
    • Infections such as meningitis that weaken pupil control nerves
    • Certain drugs, particularly eye drops, that cause changes in pupil size
    • Graves’ disease that’s often a precursor to bulging eyes, with one eye affected more than the other in a case of asymmetry
    • Aging that causes facial muscles to weaken significantly in some cases

    Anisocoria is diagnosed after a thorough eye exam and medical history review. This includes examining pupil size, light sensitivity and overall eye health. A neurological examination may also be performed to detect evidence of nerve injury. Additional testing, such as MRI or CT scans, may be required to determine the underlying causes.

    What’s the Best Anisocoria Treatment?

    In most cases, uneven eyes don’t require treatment. This is especially true if the asymmetry is the result of genetics or aging. But it can be caused by a variety of underlying diseases, including nerve damage, injury, eye disorders and even side effects from some medications. Anisocoria is treated based on the underlying reason.

    For example:

    • If anisocoria is caused by an underlying medical disease, such as Horner’s syndrome or a brain injury, treatment revolves around managing the condition in question. This may include drugs, surgery or other measures as determined by your doctor.
    • Anisocoria can be a side effect of some drugs. In such circumstances, changing the dosage or switching to a different drug may relieve the uneven eyes.
    • Prescription eye drops may be provided to help equalize pupil size in cases when anisocoria is caused by disorders affecting the iris’ muscles, such as Adie’s.
    • If anisocoria is not causing any symptoms and is considered benign, your doctor might recommend regular observation rather than treatment.
    • In rare circumstances where anisocoria is caused by physical trauma or structural abnormalities in the eye, surgical treatment may be required.
    • In some cases, particularly if anisocoria is caused by eye muscle weakness or coordination problems, vision therapy exercises may improve the condition.

    Preventing anisocoria, or unequal pupil size, is difficult, but steps can be taken to reduce your risk factors.

    These include:

    • Wearing protective eyewear to avoid eye injuries
    • Leading a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of certain medical conditions
    • Using medications with caution
    • Scheduling regular eye exams with your NYC eye doctor to detect and manage any underlying issues that may contribute to anisocoria
    • Maintaining a comprehensive eye care routine as recommended by your New York eye team at Eye Physicians

    While anisocoria is usually treated for medical reasons, some people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Uneven pupil size, while usually not a problem, can have an impact on appearance. Cosmetic solutions may include wearing contact lenses to mask differences or surgical procedures to achieve symmetry.

    Eye Physicians in NYC can provide you with thorough management, anisocoria treatment and Adie syndrome treatment. Their trained experts offer professional service, ensuring that your eyes receive the care they deserve. Don’t wait any longer, contact Eye Physicians today  to make an appointment and take the first step toward better eye health.

    Page Updated on Jul 5, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

    Why Choose Eye Physicians?

    Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.

    Schedule an Appointment