While it is common knowledge that our pupils are highly dilated when we see something or someone we love. But if it seemingly happens for no reason, your body may be telling you something.
Changes in the characteristics of your pupils (the shape, size, and reactivity of the pupils) can provide clues about your psychological state. Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai tells indianexpress.com what mental health issues can be indicated by eye characteristics.
“Pupils may dilate in response to anxiety or stress, while certain drugs that affect mental health can cause either dilation or constriction. Additionally, slower or asymmetrical pupil reactions can suggest underlying neurological issues,” said Dordi.
Fluctuations in pupil size can reflect changes in mental state, such as fatigue, arousal, or cognitive load and may also indicate some syndromes like Horner’s syndrome, Adie’s pupil. (Source: Freepik)
Some more issues which can be indicated by eye characteristics, according to Dordi, are:
– Anxiety and stress: Pupils may dilate in response to anxiety or stress. This is part of the body’s fight-or-flight response.
– Drug use: Stimulants can cause dilation while opioids may cause constriction.
– Neurological disorders: Brain injuries can be indicated by changes in the eye. In some cases, multiple sclerosis can also be indicated by it.
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– Autism spectrum disorders: Irregular eye movement in a child could point towards them being on the autism spectrum.
Fluctuations in pupil size can reflect changes in mental state, such as fatigue, arousal, or cognitive load and may also indicate some syndromes like Horner’s syndrome, Adie’s pupil.
However it’s very important to remember that these are just potential indicators, and are not proven to be significant diagnosis methods for mental health issues. But it is always better to be safe than sorry; if you notice any changes in your eye characteristics, then you should seek a healthcare professional’s advice.
Does this also mean that mental health conditions can affect eye health?
“Changes in pupil size or reactivity are more indicative of underlying neurological or psychological conditions rather than direct impacts on eye health. However, severe neurological issues that affect mental health can sometimes lead to vision problems.” said Dordi.
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While these conditions may affect eye characteristics, it is very rare that they cause blindness or any major vision related problems.
