Peripheral Retinal Whitening

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Peripheral Retinal Whitening

FEB 07, 2013

Question:

My 10-year-old has been diagnosed with peripheral retinal whitening. How dangerous is it?

Answer:

Peripheral retinal whitening is more of a description of a finding rather than a diagnosis. A variety of things can lead to the retina becoming "white." Some of these things are benign (such as "white with/without pressure" and peripheral cystoid degeneration) and some are the result of serious problems (such as retinal vasculitis or viral necrotizing retinitis). It is important to ask the doctor who described the finding to you what it represents and if it is concerning.

Answered By: John W Kitchens, MD
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