The importance of red reflex test for preventing eye diseases in newborn

Abstract

Objective: To understand the dimensions of the red reflex test in the prevention and diagnosis of eye diseases in newborns. Methods: An integrative review was carried out using the BVS, PubMed and Scielo databases, using the descriptors "Red reflex test" and "Little Eye Test" in English and Portuguese. The inclusion criteria were articles that allowed full access to the material, scientific articles published in the last 10 years and national and international publications. For exclusion criteria, materials that did not allow full access because they were paid for or unavailable, articles published outside the previously established period, monographs and articles describing another type of neonatal screening were discarded. Results: When the 33 articles were read in depth, 10 duplicates were discarded, as were 16 that did not allow full access and those that focused on other types of neonatal screening. This resulted in a final database of 7 articles that described the importance of performing the red reflex test to prevent eye diseases and infant blindness. Final considerations: It can be considered that the red reflex test is an essential tool for the prevention of eye diseases, but protocols are needed for it to be carried out.