Leukocoria is a condition where the pupil appears white instead of black, and is associated with various eye problems, including vision loss and serious complications. It can be caused by genetic disorders, cataracts, Coats disease, or retinoblastoma. A visit to the eye doctor is necessary if leukocoria is noticed. Treatments vary depending on the condition, and early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision.
Leukocoria is a change in the appearance of the pupil of the eye, where it appears white under certain conditions instead of black, and the eye does not show the normal ‘red reflex’. This clinical sign is associated with a number of eye problems, some of which are associated with vision loss and other serious complications. If people notice leukocoria in their own eyes or those of a family member, a visit to the eye doctor is necessary.
In healthy individuals, light is absorbed in the retina and reflected back at low levels, with the pupil appearing black or red when illuminated with a flash; the famous red-eye problem in flash photography is an example of red glare at work. In people with leukocoria, more light is reflected, making the pupil appear white, especially when it’s enlarged. Sometimes, people initially spot the symptom in a flash photograph where one eye has a white dot instead of a red one.
Several conditions can be associated with leukocoria. Some genetic disorders, such as trisomy 13, involve changes in the structure of the eye and cause damage to the retina. Cataracts are a potential cause, as is Coats disease, in which blood vessels in and around the eye grow abnormally. Retinoblastoma, a serious eye cancer, can also cause leukocoria to develop. This tumor usually appears in infancy and the appearance of a white pupil in a child is cause for concern for this reason.
A doctor may evaluate a patient who appears to have this symptom, checking for a red reflex and gathering other information about the eye’s visual appearance in the process. All of this information is diagnostically useful. It is very important to receive a thorough examination for leukocoria, as this symptom is usually associated with diseases known to cause vision loss or difficulty with visual perception. Early diagnosis and treatment can give people a better chance of preserving their vision.
Treatments vary depending on what condition the patient appears to have. Surgery, chemotherapy, medications, and radiation are all things that can be recommended to the patient. People who want a second opinion might consider working with a doctor who specializes in treating a particular condition to ensure they have access to the latest information about the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Doctors who treat retinoblastoma regularly, for example, tend to have better treatment options, as well as better patient outcomes.
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