Pupil - white spots

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Eye

White pupil

White spots in the pupil

Leukocoria

If you see a white pupil, make an appointment with your health care provider right away. Pediatricians routinely screen for a white pupil in children. If a child develops a white pupil or cloudy cornea, immediate attention is needed, preferably from an ophthalmologist.

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

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

• When did you first notice this problem?
• Are both eyes affected?
• Is there any change in the vision, including a decrease in vision, blurred vision, or other vision problems?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• Is there a family history of disease such as congenital cataracts or retinoblastoma?
• Are the eyes crossing?
• Have you had any recent eye surgery?

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The physical examination will include a detailed eye examination.

The following tests may be performed:

• Ophthalmoscopy
• Slit-lamp exam
• Standard eye exam
• Visual acuity

Other tests may be done, depending on the suspected cause, including a head CT or MRI scan.

Review Date: 02/07/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).