Be alert, your photos could save sight and life!
Photos & Clues To Be Aware of Between Well Checkups
1. Check all of your photos, Especially flash photos. If the eyes do not reflect red or look normal; if there is an odd glow in one or both eyes you may have photographed an eye disease, including retinoblastoma tumors. Being aware of pictures like these could save your child's vision or life.Â
2. Check for strabismus... irregular eye movement.
- Does the eye roll in or out?
- Does the eyelid appear to be drooping (lazy eye)?
- Is there any odd movement?
- 20% of the children who have an eye disease will have strabismus.
3. Check the eyes for abnormal symptoms.
- Is the eye red, itchy, irritated, and/or sensitive to light?
- 10% of the children who have tumors, cataracts, Coats disease, etc... will have these symptoms.
4. Be alert and listen to your children's complaints (children of all ages)
- Eye Pain, Headaches, Problems Focusing
Do not ignore, take them to an eye doctor to get them evaluated.
5. Nothing...
- Sometimes there are no clues at all.
- Make sure the ophthalmoscope is being used correctly at every well checkup
What to look for:
The following photos were taken moments apart. We can see in the first two photos we did not reveal a tumor. In the 3rd (last) example on the right we see a red reflection in one eye and a white reflection of Joey's tumor. You can have many pictures that reflect red or look normal, and just one image reveals a clue. Always be alert to that picture and go to an eye doctor to get it checked out. (Select Images to Zoom.)
What do I do?
When a white reflection or an odd glow appears in a photo, it's crucial to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying eye conditions. Early diagnosis is crucial for the best possible outcome, this can save your child's sight or life.
Reflections in dark eyes
Dark eyes do not reflect red in flash photography. They look normal. You still have an opportunity to see the white reflection or odd glow of an eye disease when the flash goes off. If you get a photo that looks like these examples, be alert and consult with an eye doctor.
Note: Very dark pupils do not reflect red in photos, but the eye disease will still reflect white.
