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Warning-sign checks

Pupil - white: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    A single unusual photograph without other symptoms is less likely to be an emergency.

    Take a few new photographs in similar lighting, with the person looking directly at the camera.

    Seek emergency care now for:

    • Sudden loss or major worsening of vision
    • Severe eye pain, marked redness, or swelling
    • A white or cloudy eye after an injury
    • Chemical exposure to the eye
    • Eye symptoms with severe headache, vomiting, weakness, or confusion

    After chemical exposure, begin rinsing the eye immediately with plenty of clean, lukewarm water while arranging emergency help.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a same-day eye assessment if a baby or child has a white pupil that is visible directly or appears repeatedly in photographs.

    Contact an optometrist, ophthalmologist, primary care service, or urgent eye service.

    Do not wait for the child to report vision problems.

    An adult should also seek prompt assessment for a new white pupil, particularly if it affects one eye, is visible in normal light, or comes with a change in vision.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book an eye examination if the white reflection appears again or you remain concerned.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pupil - white. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.