how to make your pupils bigger
Liam Parker
Updated on July 25, 2026
In bright light, your pupils get smaller (constrict) to limit the amount of light that enters. In the dark, your pupils get bigger (dilate).
Can you make your own pupils dilate on command?
If you need to dilate your pupils on command, try imagining a dark room or dark shapes, such as a camping ground at night. Alternatively, focus on an object that’s far away or unfocus your eyes to make your pupils widen.
Can pupils be naturally bigger?
The condition may be caused by dilating eye drops from an eye exam, the side effects from a drug/medication or traumatic injury. Pupils naturally dilate due to changes in light and emotional events, but unusual pupil dilation could be the result of a medical condition.
Can people enlarge their pupils?
Mostly, pupils change size depending on how much light is necessary for proper vision. Other factors can also influence pupil dilation, such as medication or drug use. However, some research suggests that emotions can also influence pupil dilation, including sexual attraction. This might be due to hormonal changes.
What do pupils look like when drunk?
Common signs of intoxication indicated by the eyes include: Changes in pupil size, either constricted or dilated. Nystagmus, or rapid involuntary movements of the eyeballs. Conjunctival redness, or bloodshot eyes.
What size should pupils be?
The normal pupil size in adults varies from 2 to 4 mm in diameter in bright light to 4 to 8 mm in the dark. The pupils are generally equal in size. They constrict to direct illumination (direct response) and to illumination of the opposite eye (consensual response).
What eye drops make your pupils bigger?
Tropicamide is used to dilate (enlarge) the pupil so that the doctor can see into the back of your eye. It is used before eye examinations, such as cycloplegic refraction and examination of the fundus of the eye. Tropicamide may also be used before and after eye surgery.
Can you contract your pupils at will?
Pupils can also change size in response to other factors, such as increases in arousal. It was previously known that some people can change their pupil size at will, but by using indirect methods.
What causes pupils to be extremely small?
Typically, smaller constricted pupils are caused by: Certain conditions, including Adie’s tonic pupil (also called Adie’s pupil and Adie’s syndrome) Injury to the eye or brain, such as a concussion. The use of some types of prescription or illicit drugs.
What drugs cause small pupils?
Narcotic drugs, either legal or illicit, can constrict pupils. These include heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Overdose on these drugs can also lead to pinpoint pupils (when eyes don’t respond to changes in light).
What are retinas?
The retina contains millions of light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. Your retina sends this information to your brain through your optic nerve, enabling you to see.
Is the pupil a hole?
The pupil is the hole located in the center of the iris. It allows light to enter the eye. The pupil appears black because light rays entering the pupil are absorbed by the tissues inside the eye. Or they are absorbed after diffused reflections within the eye.
Does vaping dilate pupils?
Side effects of using vape pens that contain harmful chemicals include hallucinations, dilated pupils, heart mis-beating and becoming lethargic.
Does Xanax make your pupils dilate?
If someone takes too much Xanax, they may experience: shallow breathing. clammy skin. dilated pupils.
Can anxiety cause small pupils?
Medically reviewed by Marilyn Folk, BScN. Dilated or contracted pupils are common symptoms of anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and others.