I've Noticed That a Friend of Mine (age 40) Has Leukocoria in Both Eyes?

I'm wondering if it could be a disease that he is not aware of, or whether it's a relatively benign condition that he already knows about. What could cause leukocoria in an adult? He doesn't seem to have any trouble with his vision. He does have some kind of skin disease that makes his skin look scaly but I don't know what that is. I don't want to invade his privacy or seem nosy by asking him what's wrong, but on the other hand, if he has some kind of disease he doesn't know about that he needs to get treated, then I should tell him. So does anyone know if this is something that could be a serious problem?

Suggestion:

It might be a serious problem, or it just could be as simple as early-onset cataracts (which can have a leukocoria apperance).

Your best bet is to mention your observation to your friend. If he already knows about it and has had it checked out, great! It will put your mind at ease. But if he is not aware of it, he should make an eye appointment with an OPTOMETRIST (not an ophthalmologist … you usually need a referal from an optometrist to see an ophthalmologist for a specific reason). They will be able to do a full health examination to see what may be causing the leukocoria. If there is a problem, they will then be able to refer him to the proper specialist (not all ophthalmologists deal with the same thing) to have it taken care of.

In infants, one of the most well-known and most serious causes of leukocoria is a retinoblastoma (a tumor). So although it would be odd to have tumors in both of your friend's eyes causing this leukocoria, it is definitely one of the worst-case-scenarios that has to be ruled out.

Like I mentioned earlier, it could be something as relatively harmless as a media opacity like a cataract that do develop with age and will decrease the bright red reflex that you see in younger adults.

How exactly have you noticed this leukocoria? In photographs?