What condition indicates the presence of leukocoria?

Leukocoria refers to an abnormal white reflection from the retina that can indicate serious underlying conditions. One of the primary conditions associated with leukocoria is retinoblastoma, which is a malignant tumor of the retina that most commonly occurs in children.

In cases of retinoblastoma, the tumor can cause changes in the appearance of the eye, leading to the characteristic white reflex when light is shone into the eye, rather than the normal red reflex seen in healthy eyes. Detecting leukocoria early is vital for diagnosing retinoblastoma because it can lead to timely intervention, preserving vision and life.

Other conditions listed may have varying effects on vision and the eye but do not typically present with leukocoria. For instance, diabetic retinopathy usually presents with changes in the blood vessels of the retina, glaucoma typically leads to increased intraocular pressure and may result in vision loss but not leukocoria, and astigmatism is related to the shape of the eye affecting focus rather than producing a specific reflective symptom like leukocoria.