Most of us notice our eyes only when we get red, itchy, or tired. But if you look closely in the mirror, the shape of your pupils may tell you more than you expect. While pupil changes can be harmless, in some cases they reflect deeper conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common shapes and what they might mean:
1. Round Pupils (Normal)
The most common and expected shape.
Respond well to light (shrinking in bright light, widening in darkness).
Generally suggests healthy eye and nervous system function.
If your pupils look like this, you’re likely within the “normal” range.
2. Oval Pupils
2. Oval Pupils
May appear after eye injury or trauma.
Sometimes linked to glaucoma (high eye pressure).
Can also occur as a natural variation in some people.
If you notice a sudden change from round to oval, it’s worth mentioning to an eye doctor.
3. Keyhole-Shaped Pupils
Known medically as a coloboma.
Present from birth in many cases, caused by a small gap in the eye’s structure.
May affect vision depending on its size and location.
Can appear alone or as part of certain syndromes.
Many live with colobomas without issues, but they are rare enough to spark curiosity.
4. Irregular or Jagged Pupils
Can occur after eye surgery, trauma, or inflammation.
