Changes in My Pupil Size
I'm a 19-year-old female with a weight of 130 pounds, living with POTS, and I’m currently not on any medications. ⚠️ I've visited the emergency room, so there's no need for alarm. After coming across some information on Reddit, I realized the importance of acting quickly and contacted my physician, who promptly directed me to the ER. Luckily, I'm doing fine. During my hospital visit, the medical team noted an unusual response of my eye to light, as it’s not dilating as it should. After my visit, I consulted with my optometrist, who confirmed that this is indeed a new issue, but advised me not to be overly concerned. However, I've noticed that about a week and a half later, my pupil size is increasing. Initially, the difference was about a millimeter, but it has since grown to a millimeter and a half. I’m curious as to why this change is occurring.
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 9:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes in pupil size, especially with your diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and your recent visit to the ER. Pupil size can vary due to many factors, including autonomic dysfunction, which is common in conditions like POTS.
Main Points:
- Changes in pupil size can be related to autonomic nervous system issues.
- Increasing pupil size may not be immediately alarming, especially with your recent evaluations showing normal findings.
Explanation: POTS can affect your autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, including pupil responses to light. Pupil size can change due to various reasons such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, fatigue, or other environmental factors. The gradual increase you've noticed over the past week and a half could be within the expected variations but still warrants monitoring.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pupil size changes, and note any other symptoms like headaches, vision changes, light sensitivity, or any new sensations.
- Avoid Stimulants: Stay clear of caffeine or any stimulants that can affect your autonomic response, which might impact pupil size.
- Light Sensitivity Reliever: If you're experiencing discomfort with bright lights due to the changes, consider wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule a follow-up with your optometrist or physician to review the pupil changes and discuss the overall health impacts related to POTS.
- Mindful Self-Care: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as gentle yoga or deep breathing exercises, which may help improve overall autonomic function and reduce anxiety related to these changes.
Your health and comfort are essential, so take these steps to manage your observations calmly, and feel free to reach out to your healthcare providers as needed for further reassurance or investigation.
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