young retina

[BettyParson]

Is it normal finding white appearenc of the retina in young adults? ie 20-25

[BettyParson]

Thank you very much for your response doctor no i didnt mean a photograph i mean at a dilated fundus exam what can cause whitening of the retina at yound adults with no vision problems is there any explanation why the retina appears whiter?

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

Let me think about this question you asked.
Do you mean when you are using an ophthalmoscope? If so, yes, this is totally normal and answered by my first response

Or do you mean "white" like the pupil looks white and not red? Like if instead of having a red eye on a photograph it appears white instead? If it is the latter, then that is totally abnormal and is called Leukocoria. Young children with Leukocoria should be immediately evaluated to make certain there is no presence of Retinoblastoma, a rare retinal cancer.

I hope I didn't initially misunderstand your question.
Best wishes,
Timothy D. McGarity, Medical Doctor

[BettyParson]

Thank you doctor can you please explain why this is happening?

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

very normal. I asked that same question when I first began looking at retinas in the 90's.

Sincerely,
Timothy D. McGarity, Medical Doctor