Leukocoria
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| Leukocoria | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abnormal white reflection from the retina |
| Complications | Blindness, retinal detachment |
| Onset | Can be present at birth or develop later |
| Duration | Varies depending on underlying cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Retinoblastoma, congenital cataract, Coats' disease, persistent fetal vasculature, retinopathy of prematurity |
| Risks | Family history of retinoblastoma |
| Diagnosis | Ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Cataract, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause; may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; early detection and treatment improve outcomes |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Leukocoria (also known as white pupillary reflex) is an abnormal white reflection from the retina of the eye. It is a medical sign for a number of conditions, primarily those affecting the retina or cornea, and is often detected in flash photography.
Causes[edit]
Leukocoria can be caused by a number of conditions, including:
- Retinoblastoma: A rare type of eye cancer that usually develops in early childhood, typically before the age of 5.
- Coats' disease: A rare condition characterized by abnormal development of the blood vessels in the retina.
- Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV): A rare condition in which the blood vessels and fibrous tissue behind the lens of the eye do not regress normally during fetal development.
- Cataract: A clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): A potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of leukocoria is typically made through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include:
- Visual acuity test: This test measures how well the patient sees at various distances.
- Dilated eye exam: Drops are placed in the eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils, allowing the doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve.
- Tonometry: An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye to check for glaucoma.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for leukocoria depends on the underlying cause and may include surgery, chemotherapy, laser therapy, or cryotherapy.