PURPOSE
To assess red reflex testing of the pharmacologically dilated pupil in screening for retinoblastoma.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Children with a family history of retinoblastoma or a history of treated retinoblastoma who were admitted to our institution for examination using anesthesia during a 3-month period underwent red reflex testing of the pharmacologically dilated pupil in a masked fashion. Red reflexes were classified as normal (unremarkable), abnormal (in brightness or color), or absent (no reflex, black pupil). The results of the screenings were later compared with actual retinal findings.
RESULTS
Red reflex testing of the dilated pupil failed to identify all 13 eyes that harbored retinoblastoma lesions (all 13 were classified as normal). The 3 eyes that were identified as having abnormal red reflexes had neither disease nor significant refractive error.
CONCLUSION
Red reflex testing of the dilated pupil is a poor screening technique for retinoblastoma.
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2005;42:205-210.
AUTHORS
The authors are from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Originally submitted April 19, 2004.
Accepted for publication July 14, 2004.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Arif O. Khan, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, PO Box 7191, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia.
The authors have no industry relationships to disclose.
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