Pupil - white spots

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Eye

White spots in the pupil

White pupil

Overview

Treatment

Pupil - white spots

Alternative Names:

Leukocoria

Home Care:

If a white pupil is noted, an immediate appointment with your health care provider should be made. Pediatricians routinely screen for the appearance of a white pupil in children. If a child develops a white pupil or cloudy cornea, immediate attention is required, preferably from an ophthalmologist.

Call your health care provider if:

Contact your health care provider if you notice any color changes in the pupil or cornea of the eye.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions, such as:

When did you first notice this?
Are both eyes affected?
Is there any change in the vision, including a decrease in vision, blurred vision, or others?
What other symptoms are also present?
Is there a family history of disease such as congenital cataracts or retinoblastoma?
Are the eyes crossing?
Any recent eye surgery?

The physical examination will include a detailed eye examination.

The following tests may be performed:

Slit-lamp exam
Standard eye exam
Visual acuity
Ophthalmoscopy
Other tests depending on the suspected cause, including a head CT or MRI

Review Date: 5/18/2006
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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