What does the acronym PERRL stand for?

The acronym PERRL stands for "Pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light," which is a standard phrase used in the assessment of eye health and neurological status. Each component of this acronym provides important information about the function of the pupils:

• "Pupils are equal" indicates that both pupils are the same size, which is crucial as unequal pupils (anisocoria) can be a sign of various neurological conditions.

• "Round" describes the shape of the pupils, which should be circular; deviations from a round shape might suggest certain eye or neurological issues.

• "Reactive to light" assesses how the pupils respond when exposed to light; this responsiveness indicates that the optic and oculomotor pathways are functioning correctly. A pupil that does not constrict in response to light could indicate a problem with the nervous system.

These components are fundamental for healthcare providers in a clinical setting, particularly during neurological exams, as they help in assessing both ocular health and potential neurological abnormalities.