Q.Absence of the red reflex on ophthalmologic evaluation of the newborn could indicate which of the following? Select one: A. Congenital cataracts B. Retinitis pigmentosa C. Optic atrophy D. Chorioretinitis
The correct answer is a. On shining a light through the pupil of the normal newborn, the normal color of the retina is perceived as an orange-red reflection of the light. Failure to perceive that reflection usually indicates opacification of the pathway of light transmission. Several types of intrauterine infections, including rubella and CMV infection, may produce congenital cataracts and impair light transmission in this way.The presence of a distinctive white reflex usually indicates disease behind the lens, such as a scar from retinopathy of prematurity or a retinoblastoma.
