The eye test, also known as the Red Reflex Test, is usually a test offered by SUS that serves to diagnose early vision diseases in the baby, such as congenital cataract, tumor, glaucoma or strabismus.
This test should be done in the first week of life of the newborn, preferably still in the maternity ward, but it can also be performed in the first consultation with the pediatrician and repeated at 4, 6, 12 and 24 months, being an important tool to prevent childhood blindness.
Although it is indicated for all babies, the eye test is particularly important for babies born with microcephaly and also for those whose mothers were infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy because they are more likely to have vision changes.
Here are some symptoms that may lead you to suspect childhood glaucoma or congenital cataracts.
How the test is done
The eye test does not hurt and is quick, being performed by the pediatrician through a small device that projects a light into the eyes of the newborn.
When this light is reflected reddish, orange or yellowish it means that the baby's eye structures are healthy. However, when the reflected light is whitish or differently between the eyes, other tests should be done with the ophthalmologist to investigate the possibility of vision problems.
When to do other eye exams
In addition to the eye test right after birth, the baby must be taken to an ophthalmologist in the first year of life and at 3 years of age.
In addition, parents should be aware of signs of vision problems, such as not following the movement of objects and lights, the presence of photos in which the child's eyes reflect white light or the presence of crossed eyes after 3 years of age, which indicates strabismus. See how treatment for strabismus is done.
In the presence of these signs, the child should be taken for examinations with the ophthalmologist, facilitating the identification of the problem and the appropriate treatment to prevent more serious problems, such as blindness.
See other tests that the baby should do shortly after birth.
