What it means
Pupils normally get smaller in bright light and when looking at something close. Very small (pinpoint) pupils can be caused by opioids, some eye drops used for glaucoma, certain poisons such as organophosphate insecticides, and some brain injuries. The opposite is mydriasismih-DRY-uh-sisWidening (dilation) of the pupil of the eye.Full entry .
For the nurse
Check and record pupil size in millimeters and how both pupils react to light. Pinpoint pupils with slow breathing in a client receiving opioids need immediate attention.
Remember it
Miosis is the shorter word for the smaller pupil; mydriasis is the longer word for the wider one.
At a glance
| Also written | miotic |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
mydriasis
Widening (dilation) of the pupil of the eye.