There are several potential causes for white or gray pupils in neonates, including:
Congenital Cataracts: These are lens opacities present at birth and can cause a white appearance of the pupil. They may be unilateral or bilateral and can significantly affect vision if not treated early. Retinoblastoma: This is a rare but serious cancer of the retina that can present as a white pupil. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV): This is a developmental anomaly where remnants of the fetal hyaloid vascular system fail to regress, leading to a white or grayish appearance of the pupil. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): A disease affecting premature infants, ROP can cause abnormal blood vessel development in the retina, sometimes leading to a white reflex in the pupil. Coats' Disease: This is a rare congenital disorder characterized by abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can cause a white pupil.
