What condition can result in a child having unilateral white pupillary reflex?

A unilateral white pupillary reflex, known as leukocoria, can be indicative of several ocular conditions, but retinoblastoma is particularly significant in children. Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor that arises from the retinal cells and is most commonly diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. The presence of a white reflection in one eye, instead of the normal red reflex seen in healthy eyes, occurs due to the light reflecting off the tumor rather than the normal retina.

This condition necessitates prompt evaluation and management, as retinoblastoma can have a profound impact on vision and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. While congenital cataracts can also cause leukocoria, they typically present differently and have a different risk profile. Similarly, retinal detachment and choroidal melanoma are less common causes of leukocoria and usually present with other associated symptoms or changes in the eye structure that can be distinguished from retinoblastoma during a thorough ophthalmological examination.