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mydriasis

Dilated / Large Pupil

Plain-language definition

Abnormal dilation of the pupil. A fixed, dilated pupil can indicate a third nerve palsy, trauma, or pharmacologic dilation.

Where this term comes up

  • Atropine is an anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) eye drop that dilates the pupil (mydriasis) and temporarily paralyzes the eye's focusing muscle (cycloplegia).

    Medication · Atropine Eye Drops

Category
Condition, finding, or disease process
Also written as
No alternate forms listed.

Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.

Related glossary terms

A note on medical context

A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.