La pupil of the eye is normally black, although it can sometimes turn red when hit by a camera flash.

Any color change in the pupil, opacity or white spot in the eye is not considered a normal disorder and, in that case, we should see an ophthalmologist immediately. 

The appearance of a white spot in the eye can be caused by various causes, among which diseases such as retinoblastoma or calcium buildup in the eye. Treating the origin of a white spot in the eye is essential to prevent complications in eye health. 

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain why white spots appear in the eye and when they are serious. 

What is a white spot in the eye?

white spot in the eye

A white spot in the eye is a common symptom of several eye pathologies, As the Cataracts. Usually, the white spot appears in the pupil and compromises the visual acuity

I see a white spot in the eye: possible causes

There are many people who go to a ophthalmologic consultation because they see a white spot in the eye, specifically in the pupil.

The white spot in the eye is not a disease, it is a symptom that is usually associated with the following infections:

Retinoblastoma 

El retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor uncommon that usually occurs in children and usually forms in the retina.

Retinoblastoma is caused by gene mutation that controls the way cells divide and, as a consequence, causes cells to multiply and become malignant cells. 

This type of eye tumor usually affects children between 1 and 2 years of age, which is why parents should be very aware of their baby's eye health.

Any white spot in a child's eye is a very important reason to go immediately to the pediatric ophthalmologist.

Corneal ulcer or keratitis

All the corneal ulcers consist of eye infections that occur in the cornea due to a bacterium that has entered the eye.

La ocular dryness, contact lenses, chemical splash, trauma, swelling of the eyelids y ocular laser surgery are some of the factors that can trigger a corneal ulcer. 

Corneal ulcers manifest themselves by forming a white spot in the eye or a kind of gray haze.

They also cause the sensation of having a foreign body inside the eye, Red eyestearing, eye inflammation, photophobia y cloudy view or decreased vision. 

Uveitis

La uveitis is irritation and inflammation of the uvea, the part of the eye that supplies the greatest amount of Blood flow.

La uveitis It is one of the main causes of white spots on the eye, and is caused by an infection such as AIDS, diseases of the immune system such as multiple sclerosis, exposure to toxic substances and eye injuries.

There are Different types of uveitis: 

Anterior uveitis 

La anterior uveitis inflammation takes place in the front of of the eyeball and begins suddenly. This type of uveitis can be constant or in outbreaks that come and go. 

Intermediate uveitis

The condition originates in the central zone of the eyeball and symptoms can last from weeks to years, with alternating periods of improvement. 

Posterior uveitis

inflammation affects the rear zone of the eyeball, symptoms may appear gradually and the disease may last for several years. 

When is it considered serious? 

I see a white spot in the eye

White spots on the eye are considered serious as long as their cause is the retinoblastoma, chronic keratitis or the uveitis, calcification of the ocular surface, etc., diseases that can put the health of the eye at risk.

An eye infection is usually harmless, but, if it is not treated in time, it can spread throughout the eyeball and cause important complications. 

Before a white spot in the eye, the best we can do is go immediately to the ophthalmologist to obtain a diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatment. 

Diagnosis and treatment 

To diagnose the cause of a white spot in the eye, the ophthalmologist will study the entire eye structure in depth. After the eye exam, the doctor may need to perform some medical tests such as: 

The treatment for the white spot in the eye will depend exclusively on the cause that caused the injury:

  • The treatment of retinoblastoma It can include sessions of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy, among others. 
  • All the corneal ulcers o keratitis can be treated with artificial tears if not infectious. When there is an infection, the treatment will consist of administering eye drops that can be antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral. 
  • The treatment of uveitis may include steroid eye drops. 

If you have ever had a white spot in your eye, or you are currently a carrier of one, do not hesitate to contact us. In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We are happy to help you to treat any eye pathology. We will wait for you!

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White spot in the eye: should we worry?
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White spot in the eye: should we worry?
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Discover what are the causes of a white spot in the eye and what risk it poses to our health.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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