A full-term neonate has a white pupillary reflex (leukocoria) noted at birth in the left eye. The most common cause of leukocoria in the FIRST year of life is:
- A Retinoblastoma
- B Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV)
- C Congenital cataract ✓
- D Retinopathy of prematurity
Correct answer: C. Congenital cataract
Explanation
Congenital cataract is the most common cause of leukocoria in infants, accounting for about 40% of cases. Retinoblastoma is the most common cause of leukocoria presenting after infancy (peak age 18 months–3 years) and is bilateral in 30–40% of cases. Persistent fetal vasculature is unilateral and associated with microphthalmos. ROP occurs in premature infants. Any leukocoria requires urgent ophthalmology evaluation to exclude retinoblastoma.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.