Diagnostic Test Accuracy of the Red Reflex Test for Ocular Pathology in Infants

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Red reflex testing is a simple and inexpensive method implemented in many countries as an important part of infant screening for ocular pathologies.OBJECTIVES To review the literature on the diagnostic accuracy of the red reflex test in infant screening for ocular pathologies and to perform meta-analyses to provide summary estimates. DATA SOURCESThe following literature databases were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed literature, published

The Red Reflex Test - Shadow conceals, light reveals

“…In a recent meta-analysis, Subhi et al . [ 6 ] analyzed the diagnostic value of the red reflex test without pupillary dilation versus standard diagnostic examination with pupillary dilation in 8713 infants from five unique studies. The sensitivity of the red reflex test for ocular diseases, in general, was a low 7.5% but with an impressive specificity of 97.5%.…”

“…The sensitivity of the red reflex test for ocular diseases, in general, was a low 7.5% but with an impressive specificity of 97.5%. [ 6 ] Sensitivity (17.5%) was better for ocular pathologies that required medical or surgical intervention. [ 6 ] The negative predictive value was 99.2%, implying that 99 of 100 infants with a normal red reflex will not have a severe ocular disease.…”

“…[ 6 ] Sensitivity (17.5%) was better for ocular pathologies that required medical or surgical intervention. [ 6 ] The negative predictive value was 99.2%, implying that 99 of 100 infants with a normal red reflex will not have a severe ocular disease. [ 6 ] The positive predictive value was 7.7%, indicating a 7-fold higher risk of severe ocular disease in infants with an abnormal red reflex.…”

“…[ 6 ] The negative predictive value was 99.2%, implying that 99 of 100 infants with a normal red reflex will not have a severe ocular disease. [ 6 ] The positive predictive value was 7.7%, indicating a 7-fold higher risk of severe ocular disease in infants with an abnormal red reflex. [ 6 ] In a large meta-analysis published in this issue of Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, the authors seem to confirm the low sensitivity (23%) and high specificity (98%) of the red reflex test but show that the test is excellent for the detection of anterior segment anomalies (99.2%) as compared to disorders of the posterior segment (14.1%).…”

Screening of pediatric eye disease at home by using camera of mobile phone

“…Широке поширення офтальмологічних захворювань серед дітей, недостатня кількість дитячих офтальмологів та впровадження системи сімейної медицини зумовлюють необхідність використання не лише офтальмологами, а і лікарями загальної практики та батьками самостійно простих і доступних методів раннього виявлення захворювань ока. Найпростіший скринінговий метод очної патології у дітей раннього віку -це дослідження «рожевого рефлексу» [1][2][3]. На підставі рівномірності світіння, відсутності або зміни забарвлення рефлексу з очного дна можна запідозрити такі захворювання, як косоокість, катаракта, ретинобластома, помутніння рогівки, аномалії рефракції високого ступеня [4,5].…”