Aplication of red reflex test in neonatal care

Abstract

This is a descriptive and quantitative exploratory study, developed in neonatal units of a reference service, in Fortaleza, Ceará. It aimed to investigate visual alterations in newborns through the red refl ex test. 180 newborns were assessed, using a direct ophthalmoscope for red refl ex observation and of a form for registering the data. Among the studied sample, 9 (5%) as “altered” result. Such result had been examined by the ophthalmologist, being the diagnostic: 8 with retinopathies of prematurity and one with leukokoria due to retinal detachment; 39 (22%) presented “dubious”, result and the parents were guided about the importance of an assessment by ophthalmologist, 132 (73%) presented “normal” result. Variations about the color of the red refl ex were observed, considering as derivations of the standard of normality. The fi ndings strengthen the importance of the adoption of preventive actions, with early interventions and treatments, aiming the reduction of the cases of blindness in infancy.