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Causes of White Appearance in Eyes

Published in Eye Conditions 2 mins read

Can Blind Eyes Turn White?

No, blind eyes do not automatically turn white. The appearance of a blind person's eyes depends on the cause of blindness. A common misconception in media portrays blind individuals as having completely white eyes, but this is inaccurate.

A white or cloudy appearance in the eye can be caused by several conditions, some of which may lead to blindness. These include:

  • Corneal Infection: An infection of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) can cause it to become white or gray, obscuring the colored portion of the eye. This is a specific condition and not a general consequence of blindness. [Source: MedicineNet, Vision Boutique]
  • Cataracts: Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, can also lead to a white appearance and impaired vision, eventually resulting in blindness if left untreated. [Source: Vision Boutique]
  • Other conditions: Other issues such as glaucoma (leading to increased eye pressure and potential for redness in the white of the eye), may also affect eye appearance and vision. [Source: JustAnswer]

It's important to note that many people who are blind have eyes that appear completely normal. The appearance of the eye is not a reliable indicator of blindness. Blindness can result from problems with the optic nerve, brain, or other parts of the visual pathway, which would not alter the visible appearance of the eye itself. [Source: Quora, Reddit]

Misconceptions in Media

The portrayal of blind people with white eyes in media is a harmful stereotype. This reinforces inaccurate perceptions about blindness and the diverse ways it can affect individuals. [Source: Quora]

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