Leukocoria is an eye disorder which literally means “white pupil”. It is an aberrent white reflection from the eye’s retina. Leukocoria is similar to eyeshine, but it can occur in animals and humans that lack eyeshine. It happens because their retina retina lacks a tapetum lucidum.
Leukocoria acts as medical sign for number of conditions, such as
- Corneal scarring
- Norrie disease
- Coats disease
- Congenital cataracts
- Occular toxocariasis
- Melanoma of the ciliary body
- Retinoblastoma
- Persistence of the tunica vasculosa lentis (PFV/PHPV)
- Retrolental fibroplasia
All medical conditions which cause leukocoria act as a serious threat to eye vision. It is always appropriate to refer an opthalmologist at the early stages of leukocoria.
Retinoblastoma is considered while evaluating leukocoria because of its potential life threatening nature. Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer. It can affect both the eyes (familial retinoblastoma) or only one eye (unilateral retinoblastoma).
Detecting Leukocoria
In apparent cases, the pupil may look white in color while casually observing. In other situations, the pupil may appear white only in some specific circumstances. For example, in a darkened room the pupil becomes larger in size.
On Photographs which are taken using a flash, leukocoria induces a bright white reflection in an affected eye instead of the familiar red-eye effect.
Leukocoria can also be detected by a routine eye examination. To detect leukocoria, opthalmologists use a retinoscope to examine the red-eye reflex. Then they use an opthalmoscope to directly visualize the eye’s interior part. To enlarge the pupil, dilating eye drops are used which enables a more thorough examination.
Treating Leukocoria
Leukocoria is managed by treating any of the underlying conditions (retinal detachment, cataract, infection,etc) which are responsible for the appearance of the white pupil.
