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: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
 |
This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
|
