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What Causes The Pupil To Appear White When Light Is Shone?

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Posted on Tue, 16 Jun 2015
Question: Hello,

I am writing this query about my 1 year old baby. In some of the photographs we click with flash, we noticed that her eyes appear whitish with a white shine. Sometimes they appear yellowish when magnified. We read online that some times they indicate some disease.

This only appears sometimes, not on all photographs. Also, we noticed that pics taken from a Nokia 920 ONLY results in this white patch. But pics taken from XXXXXXX phones are fine. Can this be a camera problem?

Please do suggest if this is something to worry. Are there any signs or symptoms we should watch out for?

If we take her to a eye doctor, what kind of tests can they undertake? Are they safe for a small baby?

Otherwise she appears normal in behavior.

Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Testing is safe.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Light coming from pupil sometimes can be yellow with certain cameras. Yes it could be because of camera issue.
But it is always better to consult your ophthalmologist to rule out certain retinal problems like retinoblastoma or cataract etc.
I personally feel the chances of any problem being present is very low.
Nevertheless a simple eye examination with torch and ophthalmoscope will rule out all of these.
These examinations are very simple and safe.
No need to worry.
You need to watch for any eye itching or increase in yellow shine.
At this age babies do not and cannot present any concrete symptoms.
A simple checkup will clear your doubts.
Wishing your child good health.

Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. She itches her eyes sometimes, mostly before or after sleep. Otherwise, she does not seem to be uncomfortable.

I will take her to some ophthalmologist none the less.

Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
She needs a checkup as mentioned before.
Let me know the ophthalmologist opinion after visiting him.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1960 Questions

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What Causes The Pupil To Appear White When Light Is Shone?

Brief Answer: Testing is safe. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. Light coming from pupil sometimes can be yellow with certain cameras. Yes it could be because of camera issue. But it is always better to consult your ophthalmologist to rule out certain retinal problems like retinoblastoma or cataract etc. I personally feel the chances of any problem being present is very low. Nevertheless a simple eye examination with torch and ophthalmoscope will rule out all of these. These examinations are very simple and safe. No need to worry. You need to watch for any eye itching or increase in yellow shine. At this age babies do not and cannot present any concrete symptoms. A simple checkup will clear your doubts. Wishing your child good health. Regards Dr Arun