Living with Holmes-Adie syndrome
A nerve condition affecting one pupil, which is larger and slow to react to light, plus missing deep reflexes.
Understanding Holmes-Adie syndrome
One eye has a larger than normal pupil that tightens slowly in bright light (tonic pupil). Deep tendon reflexes, usually in the Achilles tendon, are absent. In most cases, the cause is unknown. When only the pupil is affected, it may be called Adie's pupil. It usually begins in adults.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Tonic pupil (slow to react to light)
- Dilated pupil (mydriasis)
- Pupils of different sizes (anisocoria)
- Absent tendon reflexes (areflexia)
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal pupil reaction to light
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
In most cases the cause is unknown. Some cases may result from trauma, surgery, lack of blood flow, or infection. GARD also lists autosomal dominant inheritance.
Also known as: adie pupil; adie syndrome; adie's pupil; adie's pupil or syndrome; adie's pupil syndrome; adie's syndrome
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Holmes-Adie syndrome.
Explore research for Holmes-Adie syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Holmes-Adie syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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