A condition (described originally by Dr Argyll Robertson) in which the pupils contract when the eyes converge on a near object, but fail to contract when a bright light falls on the eye. It is found in several diseases, especially in locomotor ataxia and neurosyphilis, an advanced manifestation of SYPHILIS.
a disorder of the eyes in which the *pupillary reflex is absent. Although the pupils contract normally for near vision (the accommodation reflex), they fail to contract in bright light. It may occur, for example, as a result of syphilis or diabetes. [D. Argyll Robertson (1837–1909), Scottish ophthalmologist]
(light reflex) the reflex change in the size of the pupil according to the amount of light entering the eye. Bright light reaching the retina stimulates nerves of the *parasympathetic nervous system, which cause the pupil to contract. In dim light the pupil opens, due to stimulation of the *sympathetic nervous system. See also iris.... pupillary reflex
(Adie’s pupil) a pupil that is dilated as a result of damage to the nerves supplying the ciliary muscle and iris. It reacts poorly to light but may constrict better for near vision, with slow redilation on refixation at a distance. The tonic pupil is sensitive to dilute 0.1% pilocarpine drops, which cause marked constriction but have little effect on a normal pupil. The tonic pupil may become miotic (see miosis) over time.... tonic pupil
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