The red reflex.
Eliciting the red reflex is a useful clinical test that can be easily performed in the pediatric emergency room. A direct ophthalmoscope is the only tool needed to perform this test. The test is non-invasive, making it a quick screening tool for even the most apprehensive child. A normal red reflex can rule out intraocular pathology; an abnormal reflex can indicate need for urgent ophthalmologic referral. The differential diagnoses for an absent (or black) reflex; an abnormally sized, shaped or positioned reflex; leukocoria; as well as a non-homogenous reflex are listed.
McLaughlin
Caroline
C
University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada.
Levin
Alex V
AV
D002648:Child; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D012018:Reflex; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal