Is it REALLY Possible?
Is it possible to have two pupils in one eye? Have you ever seen someone that does? How would it work? What would it really look like? Let’s explore whether this is even possible.
Is Polycoria Real?
Polycoria does exist! When a person has two pupils or the appearance of two pupils, they are thought to have this condition. It can affect one or both eyes and is often found in children but sometimes is not diagnosed until later in life. Polycoria is extremely rare, and it can be mistaken for many other conditions. There are two different types, true polycoria and false, or pseudopolycoria.
True polycoria is when you actually have two or extra pupils in a single eye. Each pupil has its own connected sphincter muscle, and each expands or narrows individually. This can obviously affect your vision and cause many limitations to those that suffer from this disorder.
False, or pseudopolycoria is similar to true polycoria in the sense that it looks like you can see two or more pupils in one eye, but in this case, these pupils do not have separate sphincter muscles. Instead, the holes in your iris (the colored part of your eye) only look like extra pupils, but they are really just an imperfection of the iris and don’t cause any vision problems. These kinds of flaws are often mistaken for true polycoria and are still very rare.
What Are the Symptoms of Polycoria?
The main sign of polycoria is the presence of two pupils. Other symptoms can also include:
- Poor or blurred vision
- Double vision
- Issues with dim vision or glaring
- Oblong shaped pupil or pupils
What Causes Uneven Eye Pupils?
The actual cause is unknown, but there are several other disorders or conditions that have been linked to uneven eye pupils, including:
- Glaucoma
- Polar cataracts
- Detached retina
- Abnormal eye development
Should I Be Worried If One Pupil Is Bigger Than the Other?
About 15-30% of people have different-sized pupils. Usually, this is not a dangerous condition and doesn’t even need treatment, but it is vital to make sure that it is not a result of something more.
A sudden change in your pupils, where one is unexpectedly larger than the other, can be a result of head trauma, certain medications, or other medical conditions. Make sure to talk with your primary care doctor as well as your eye doctor immediately if you suddenly notice a change in pupil size, as this can be a sign of something very serious.
Scheduling routine eye exams are essential to your eye health. With regular eye checks, your doctor is able to monitor your vision continually and let you know of any changes. Make it a habit to see your eye doctor each year and more frequently if you have concerns or a condition that needs to be observed. Regular visits can prevent serious problems by recognizing early signs. Begin healthy vision habits today by calling to schedule your eye exam.
