Pupil, white spots

Alternative names:

leukochoria

Definition:

The pupil of the eye appears white.

Considerations:

The normal appearance of the pupil of the human eye is black. In flash photographs the pupil may appear red. This is known to photographers as redeye and to physicians as the red reflex and is entirely normal.

On occasion, the pupil of the eye may appear white. This is never a normal condition and requires immediate evaluation by trained specialists (ophthalmology).

On occasion, a cloudy cornea may produce an appearance similar to a white pupil. The causes of a cloudy or white cornea are different than those of a white pupil but are also significant and require immediate attention. Cataracts can also cause the pupil to appear white.

Common causes:

• retinoblastoma
• congenital cataract (may be hereditary or secondary to conditions such as congenital rubella or galactosemia, retrolental fibroplasia, and other diseases)
• intraocular infections (infections within the eyes)
• persistent primary hyperplastic vitreous
• retrolental fibroplasia (retinopathy of prematurity)
• Coats' disease (exudative retinopathy)

Note: There may be other causes of white spots in the pupils. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for white spots in the pupils, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial