%0 English Abstract
%T [Examination and clinical signs in infancy].
%A Bidot S
%A Dureau P
%A Caputo G
%J J Fr Ophtalmol
%V 36
%N 8
%D Oct 2013
%M 23911063
%F 1.194
%R 10.1016/j.jfo.2013.05.003
%X The first 2 years of life are essential to visual development. The ophthalmological examination of a baby is different from that of an adult, in terms of both methodology and clinical signs. The specifics of examination at this age require a rigorous history taking as a first step: personal and family medical history, first sign of the disease and its progression. Cycloplegic refraction and fundus exam are both critical regardless of the reason for consultation. In addition, fundus exam must be performed at the first visit in cases of strabismus, nystagmus, or abnormal visual function, in order to rule out underlying retinoblastoma. Gross inspection of the patient can offer much information: malformations, visual behavior, oculomotor abnormalities. Quantification of vision and refraction is age-specific. It cannot be based solely on visual behavior, it cannot be just an approximation, and it often needs to be repeated. Lastly, examination of the anterior and posterior segments may require specialized equipment, special techniques, and may reveal pathology specific to the infant. Throughout the examination, patience and gentleness help greatly to insure a reliable diagnosis.