Non syphilitic Argyll Robertson pupil refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormal response of the pupils to light. This condition occurs in individuals who do not have syphilis infection, which is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease commonly associated with a similar pupillary abnormality.
The Argyll Robertson pupil, initially described by Scottish ophthalmologist Douglas Argyll Robertson in the late 19th century, manifests as a bilateral condition, where the pupils are small, irregularly shaped, and fail to constrict when exposed to bright light. However, they do constrict when focusing on near objects or during accommodation. This phenomenon is known as "light-near dissociation."
The non syphilitic form of Argyll Robertson pupil typically arises due to various etiologies, such as neurosyphilis, diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, tumor-related conditions, or as a side effect of certain medications like pilocarpine eye drops. Common symptoms include blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and an impaired ability to react to light. It is important to differentiate non syphilitic Argyll Robertson pupil from its syphilitic counterpart, as the former is not directly caused by syphilis infection.
Diagnosis of non syphilitic Argyll Robertson pupil involves a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, medical history review, and testing for syphilis antibodies to confirm the absence of the disease. Treatment primarily focuses on managing the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, no specific treatment is required if the symptoms do not significantly impact an individual's visual function or quality of life.
In summary, non syphilitic Argyll Robertson pupil is a rare condition characterized by abnormal pupil response to light, similar to its syphilitic
