Amblyopia is a disorder which can be treated very easily and effectively as long as it is detected early in its course. Some causes of amblyopia are more apparent (strabismus) to the naked eye that the others (microstrabismus, anisometropia, visual deprivation), but regardless the cause we just cannot emphasize enough how important it is to detect amblyopia as early as possible.
So, we are providing you with a few home tips and tricks on how to screen for possible signs of the threatening amblyopia.
Scanning Early Amblyopia Signs: Red Reflex
What is Red Reflex?
A red reflex examination is a basic medical test made to check if the retina along with other behind eye structures appears normal. Traditionally, children, especially from birth up until they are nearly a year old and in some schools, up into early school life, are exposed to this evaluation in order to diagnose 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.
What is the "Normal" Red Reflex?
When shining a penlight to both of 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.
Abnormal Red Reflex
An absent red reflex in either eye might indicate some form of visual deprivation 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 also needs to be evaluated by a professional eye examination.
It is essential to conduct this test within the first few months 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 some underlying conditions that require professional medical evaluation.
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 quite a number of visual acuity testing optotypes commercially available. Decreased visual acuity of either eye may indicate developing amblyopia.
Described above are just a few tips and tricks that are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice! Whenever in doubt about your child’s vision you should seek professional medical advice.
