MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: White pupil

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

White pupil

The normal appearance of the pupil of the human eye is black. The appearance of a white pupil is never a normal condition and requires immediate evaluation by specialists trained in ophthalmology. A cloudy cornea or cataract may be mistaken for a white pupil, but usually a white pupil is due to infection or disease.

Update Date: 5/18/2006

Updated by: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.