Answer: A red-reflex check is part of every newborn’s exam. There are numerous reasons why the reflex may look dull, or even white. All of the potential causes need to be worked up by an ophthalmologist quickly, for both visual potential and potentially life-threatening reasons:
You should be aware of these:
- Congenital cataract
- Retinoblastoma
- Retinal detachment
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
Others include:
- PHPV (persistant hypertrophy of the primary vitreous)
- Coats disease
Of all of these, a congenital cataract is the least worrisome. Even so, that cataract needs to come out soon as to avoid deprivational amblyopia which develops after only a few months.
Comments and Feedback
1 Comment
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Hi Tim,
I have a question…As Ophthalmologist would you prescribe a contact lenses to your 3yr old px?
Comment by Yna — February 5, 2011 @ 9:38 am
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