Argyll Robertson pupil
Argyll Robertson pupil (sometimes abbreviated to "AR pupil") is a disorder of the eyes in which the pupillary light reflex (sometimes referred to as simply "pupillary reflex") is absent.
This means that although the pupil of the eye contracts (reduces in diameter) normally for near vision, that is in response to accomodative effort, the pupil does not contract normally in bright light.
Prior to the widespread availability of penicillin in the 1940s, Argyll Robertson pupil was commonly associated with syphilis. Because this effect of syphilis only develops after long periods of untreated infection, it is now comparatively rare. Most modern instances of pupils (of the eye) that react to accomodative effort but not to (bright) light are found to be Adie's Pupil rather than Argyll Robertson pupil.
Argyll Robertson pupil is named after British Ophthalmologist Douglas Argyll Robertson (1837-1909). It used to be known as "Prostitute's Pupil" in recognition of the occupation or previous occupation of many patients with the condition in the late 19th and early 20th century.
More about Ophthalmology:
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- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
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