Eyes Flashcards
(17 cards)
What can newborns see at birth?
Objects up to 25cm away; prefer high-contrast (black/white) and faces.
When are ocular structures fully formed in gestation?
By 6 weeks (though light detection starts in the 3rd trimester).
What is the primary goal of newborn eye screening?
To detect congenital cataracts (most common treatable cause of childhood blindness).
Why is early cataract treatment critical?
Surgery must occur within 6 weeks for best visual outcomes.
How are cataracts identified in newborns?
Abnormal red reflex (dark shadow or leukocoria/white pupil).
Direct ophthalmoscopy (best tool for screening).
What are key risk factors for congenital cataracts?
Family history (1 in 5 cases).
Low birth weight (<1500g) or prematurity (<32 weeks).
Maternal infections (rubella, CMV) or genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome).
What is retinoblastoma, and how does it present?
A malignant eye tumor; presents with white reflex (leukocoria) on screening.
What are signs of congenital glaucoma?
Watery eye, cloudy cornea, photophobia.
Enlarged globe + high intraocular pressure.
What is a coloboma?
A notch/gap in the iris (may affect vision if involving retina/optic nerve).
How is the red reflex test performed?
Use an ophthalmoscope (bright white light).
Darken the room.
Check each eye separately at ~50cm distance.
Normal: Equal, bright red/orange reflex in both pupils.
What makes the red reflex test challenging in newborns?
Small pupils that constrict in bright light.
Ethnic variations in reflex color.
Rare cataracts → low practitioner exposure.
How does nasolacrimal duct obstruction present?
Watery eye + crusting (no pain/photophobia).
Management: Clean with saline/breast milk; usually resolves spontaneously.
What is neonatal conjunctivitis, and why is it urgent?
Infection (chlamydia, gonorrhea, HSV) causing redness, swelling, discharge.
Action: Swab + immediate treatment to prevent complications (e.g., blindness).
When to refer a newborn for ophthalmology?
Absent/abnormal red reflex (cataract/retinoblastoma).
Glaucoma signs (cloudy cornea, photophobia).
Structural defects (coloboma, microphthalmia).
What parent advice should be given post-screening?
Inability to open eyes fully.
Worsening visual interest or eye misalignment.
Abnormal flash photography reflections (e.g., white pupil).
Mnemonics & Key Points
Red Reflex Right Now”: Screen early to catch cataracts.
“Cataracts = Cloudy Lens”: Think opacity → blocked red reflex.
Glaucoma Triad: Watery eye + cloudy cornea + photophobia.
Study tips:
Practice the red reflex test on peers (note color variations).
Focus on cataracts, glaucoma, and retinoblastoma—high-yield for exams.
Memorize referral criteria (e.g., absent reflex = urgent referral).
