Visual Impairments

My 7 ds had a vision screening at school and they sent home a note saying his red reflex was abnormal now I am feeling very anxious before we can get to the opthamologist on Wednesday--Any BTDT advice?

Stacy

Hi, Stacy.  Welcome to VI.  It's hard not to get anxious when our kids' eyes are the subject.  From the information I was able to get online, there are a lot of things that can be at the root of that test response.  Some are serious, others, not so much.   Whatever caused the abnormal response, you are very lucky to have early screening and access to the opthalmologist.  I'm sure they will do more tests and you will know on Wednesday or shortly thereafter what is going on.  Has he complained of any vision problems?  What is his acuity, 20/20 or something else?

We have several parents of VI kids who frequent this board, ranging from simple issues to near blindness.  I'm sure they will check in soon and give additional support.  Until you know what the problem might be, take a deep cleansing breath, let it out slowly, and know that you are doing all that you can do for right now.  He's in good hands.  And if you don't trust what the first guy says, get a second opinion!

Please let us know what happens on Wednesday.

Bink

        O say, can you see? Follow me to Visual Impairments      Hounds rule!      

I am really unfamiliar with what a red reflex is. But after doing a bit of research it appears that it is also called Transillumination. Which my daughter has.

Is he light sensitive?

What it probably means is that your son has low pigment in his eyes. Depending on the extent this may very well be normal, esp if he has light coloured eyes.

Have you seen any vision issues such as severe light sensitivity and poor vision in general?

I would however suggest that they take a good look at his Fovea and his Optic nerve or nerve head. Just to rule out things like Albinism. This is a condition where the hallmark is low optic pigment levels.

Here is a pic of What red reflex looks like on my daughter. This is pretty abnormal.

Pls excuse how she looks in th epic. It was first thing in the morning and she was just learning to drink from a cup LOL.

Bink and Jenna

Thank you both for your fabulous responses! I am truly not trying to "borrow trouble" until I know more but it is hard. I am normally a very informed parent especially medically--but the eyes were something new for me! It was very helpful to receive perspectives from people who are more informed in this realm! Jenna I am hoping your explanation is the one I receive on Wednesday! I will come back and let you all know how it goes! Thanks again for the support and input!

STacy