Freaking out a bit about dilated pupils

[Eyefuds]

15 year old teenager, has very dilated pupils at times lately even in very bright light. They are really not taking drugs etc, literally no opportunity and so far from that kind of lifestyle.

It happened yesterday evening and I have attached a picture, this is in full lighting where my own pupils are small. When I shone my phone light in they do contract but not fully. It’s the same both sides. Not on any medication.

I’ve made an eye doctor appointment but it’s not for 3 weeks. Should I try to see the GP sooner? I don’t know if I’m right to worry or wrong not to! Thanks.

Take them for an eye test,they have all the equipment to check properly

Go to the opticians OP. It's literally their area.

Ok thanks! I hadn’t thought of that and I guess I can book in quicker.

I thought it would be more an eye doctor issue as there is no concern with their vision and they have never had glases.

If you take them to the opticians they will triage them to determine if they need a hospital/gp appointment. Good luck!

I’d get this tested. I had same for a while due to reducing some medication but the eye doctor still sent me into A&E for a scan to be sure when he couldn’t see anything eye related wrong. Optician or eye Dr is a good first stop although if it’s just one eye then I’d be going to hospital to check it,

An optician can refer on and is often faster than a GP… my friend detached her retina, seen in the morning with consultant in the afternoon.

They're more than just glasses. They do a full health check of that area and they can refer if needed

Straight to Moorfields A&E if you’re in London or your nearest eye hospital, OP.
She’ll be diagnosed in A&E then followed up properly in clinic (this could be long term or short term ). My 15 year old had a similar albeit slightly different issue. Her optic nerves were damaged after two prone spinal surgeries and a CSF leak.
Straight to eye hospital, in case she’s at risk of permanent damage. Move fast with eye problems like this one.

Definitely needs checking out as it can be caused by serious underlying conditions, but try not to worry as it can also be caused by more normal things such as strong emotions (fear or attraction), medicines such as anti histamines or travel sickness medication or even some foods (ones that raise blood pressure such as very salty foods).

It can be something which happens during epileptic seizures. Does it tie in with them looking a bit day dreamy?

They are often a bit dreamy in general but I haven’t seen anything that looks like a seizure.

I’ve managed to get an optician appointment at short notice so will take it from there, thanks so much for the advice!

Thank you and sorry to hear your daughter had that experience. I have got an optician appointment at short notice so will see what they advise. The pupils are reactive just generally large so I just don’t know if that’s concerning or not.

Absence seizure just look like someone is having a daydream and can last just a few seconds.