PERRLA Medical Abbreviation

The medical abbreviation "PERRLA" is an acronym that stands for "Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light, and Accommodation".

In a medical examination, the acronym PERRLA is used to describe the findings of the patient's pupils. Each letter represents a different aspect of the pupil's reaction to light and accommodation, which are important indicators of the nervous system and ophthalmologic health.

• Pupils: The size of the pupils should be equal in diameter, not different in size (anisocoria).
• Equal: Both pupils should react equally to light and accommodation, without one responding differently.
• Round: The shape of the pupils should be round, not irregular.
• Reactive to Light: Both pupils should constrict (get smaller) when exposed to bright light.
• Accommodation: Both pupils should constrict when the patient looks at a nearby object and dilate (get larger) when the patient looks at a distant object.

Overall, the PERRLA acronym is used as a quick way for healthcare providers to document and communicate the findings of a patient's pupil exam.