Amblyopia is a disorder that can be treated very quickly and effectively if detected early in its course. Some causes of amblyopia are more apparent (strabismus) to the naked eye than others (microstrabismus, anisometropia, visual deprivation). Still, regardless of the reason, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to detect early signs of amblyopia as early as possible.
So, we provide a few DIY vision tips and tricks on screening for possible symptoms of threatening amblyopia at home.
Scanning Early Amblyopia Signs: Red Reflex
What is Red Reflex?
A red reflex examination is an essential vision screening test to check if the retina and other behind-eye structures appear normal. Traditionally, children, primarily from birth until they are nearly a year old and in some schools, up into early school life, are exposed to this evaluation to diagnose potential lazy eye or other possible sight defects.
The red reflex should be present when light hits the back of a healthy eye- that is how it was named. The red reflex is, therefore, due to light that has rebounded from the retina, which is the innermost layer of the eye that receives light and helps transmit visual information to the brain. Where, the test is beneficial to detect visual development checks.
What is the "Normal" Red Reflex?
When shining a penlight on the child’s eyes about 2 feet away, the reflex you see in his or her two eyes should be symmetric and homogenous, and equal brightness should be observed.
Conditions of an absent red reflex or an asymmetric reflex indicate a binocular vision issue like strabismus and other eye coordination problems. However, all these eye conditions should be evaluated by an eye specialist and the eye is one of the most sensitive parts of an individual’s body.
Abnormal Red Reflex
An absent red reflex in either eye might indicate some form of visual deprivation leading a lazy eye, which will implore you to seek professional medical care.
Similarly, an asymmetric reflex may point to some amount of strabismus or other changes in the fixation pattern, which a professional eye examination must also evaluate.
Conducting this test within the first few months is essential to prevent amblyopia since delayed detection of visual deprivation may lead to severe amblyopia in the affected eye.
Other Early Signs and Indicators of Amblyopia
Other early signs and indicators of amblyopia.
By the third month of life, the infant shall fix and follow faces, objects, and light. Failure to do so may indicate underlying conditions requiring professional medical evaluation for early childhood vision care.
Other signs of potential underlying pathologies include squint, closure, or covering of one eye when a child tries to focus. The parents should also ensure that eyelids do not obscure the pupil of either eye. Lastly, there are several visual acuity testing optotypes commercially available. Decreased visual acuity of either eye may indicate developing amblyopia.
The above are just a few tips and tricks for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice! You should seek professional medical advice whenever you are in doubt about your child’s vision.
Are you concerned about your child’s vision? Early detection is key! Download the EyeX app today for easy DIY vision tests and expert guidance right at your fingertips
