Pupil - white spots

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Pupil - white spots

In this condition, the pupil of the eye, which is normally black, appears white.

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 -- it 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 (ophthalmologists, "eye doctors," not optometrists who can only prescribe lenses or glasses).

There are many different causes for white pupil, which are described below. Other conditions can also mimic white pupil. For example a cloudy cornea (usually, the clear part of the eye) may produce an appearance similar to a white pupil.

The causes of a cloudy or white cornea are different from those of a white pupil, but are also significant and require immediate attention. Cataracts may also cause the pupil to appear white.

• retinoblastoma
• congenital cataract - may be hereditary or may result from other conditions, including congenital rubella, galactosemia, retrolental fibroplasia (retinopathy of prematurity)
• intraocular infections - infections within the eyes)
• persistent primary hyperplastic vitreous
• Coats' disease - exudative retinopathy)

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