Congenital Zika syndrome is a unique pattern of birth defects and disabilities found among babies infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. This can include microcephaly (small head), decreased brain tissue, damage to the back of the eye, joint issues, and too much muscle tone. Learn more about the health conditions related to congenital Zika syndrome.
Hold Me Mother, Mother embraces her child born with microcephaly.
Image by Felipe Fittipaldi / Wellcome Photography Prize 2019/Wikimedia
What Is Congenital Zika Syndrome?
Zika fever - Health Effects & Risks
Image by Beth.herlin
Zika fever - Health Effects & Risks
Symptoms of microcephaly
Image by Beth.herlin
What Is Congenital Zika Syndrome?
Congenital Zika syndrome is caused by exposure to the Zika virus before birth. This may happen if the mother is infected from a mosquito bite or through sexual contact with an affected partner. Signs and symptoms of congenital Zika syndrome include birth defects (like small head size) and other health and development problems. Zika virus outbreaks are currently occurring in many countries. Vaccines to prevent Zika virus infection are being researched. The CDC recommends that pregnant women consider postponing travel to Zika-affected areas. People living in or traveling to areas where Zika virus is found should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Those who have traveled to Zika-affected areas may wish to take steps to prevent sexual transmission of the Zika virus. Babies with congenital Zika syndrome benefit from special medical care to address their healthcare needs.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Additional Materials (12)
Inside Brazil’s Struggle To Treat Thousands Of Kids Born With A Zika-Linked Syndrome (HBO)
Video by VICE News/YouTube
The Zika Virus: Behaviors That Reduce the Risk of the Zika virus and thus Congenital Zika Syndrome.
Video by Population Reference Bureau/YouTube
Preventing and Managing Congenital Zika and Congenital Syphilis Infections
Video by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – Mid-Atlantic Public Health Training Center/YouTube
Dr. Hannah Kuper (LSHTM): Congenital Zika syndrome, what is it & how can we help?
Video by The International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases/YouTube
Congenital Zika Syndrome is not a limit, it is a challenge
Video by UNICEF El Salvador/YouTube
Insight into How Congenital Zika Syndrome Results in Impaired Hearing Loss
Video by Contagion_Live/YouTube
Congenital Zika Syndrome Results in Auditory Complications
Video by Contagion_Live/YouTube
Zika: Children of the Outbreak | Full Documentary
Video by CBS News/YouTube
Zika-information-virus
Zika information
Image by Poochgreg/Wikimedia
Flavivirus Infections
This photograph was captured at a 2016 Family and Friends Appreciation Day, organized on behalf of Zika Responders, which took place at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) David Sencer Memorial Museum, on the organization’s Roybal Campus, located in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Here, one of the attendees, young Daniella Kukucka, was carefully examining the work of long-time CDC Photographer, Jim Gathany. This event recognized the important role family and friends play in supporting Zika responders.
Image by CDC/ CDC-Connects, Theresa Roebuck; Photo credit: Stacey Hoffman
What to know if your baby was born with congenital zika syndrome
As a parent of a new baby with health conditions related to Zika infection
during pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of how
to care for your new baby. Read on to learn more about health conditions
related to Zika and find out where you can go for help.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For Parents: Roadmap for Babies with Congenital Zika Infection
This document should be used as a guide to discuss the screening and testing your baby may receive with his or her
primary care provider.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
6:10
Inside Brazil’s Struggle To Treat Thousands Of Kids Born With A Zika-Linked Syndrome (HBO)
VICE News/YouTube
5:26
The Zika Virus: Behaviors That Reduce the Risk of the Zika virus and thus Congenital Zika Syndrome.
Population Reference Bureau/YouTube
59:33
Preventing and Managing Congenital Zika and Congenital Syphilis Infections
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – Mid-Atlantic Public Health Training Center/YouTube
17:56
Dr. Hannah Kuper (LSHTM): Congenital Zika syndrome, what is it & how can we help?
The International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases/YouTube
2:46
Congenital Zika Syndrome is not a limit, it is a challenge
UNICEF El Salvador/YouTube
0:34
Insight into How Congenital Zika Syndrome Results in Impaired Hearing Loss
Contagion_Live/YouTube
0:47
Congenital Zika Syndrome Results in Auditory Complications
What to know if your baby was born with congenital zika syndrome
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For Parents: Roadmap for Babies with Congenital Zika Infection
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Microcephaly
Microcephaly
Image by CDC
Microcephaly
Baby with microcephaly
Image by CDC
Zika Health Effects & Risks: Microcephaly & Other Birth Defects
Zika and Microcephaly
Microcephaly is a birth defect in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly. During pregnancy, a baby’s head grows because the baby’s brain grows. Microcephaly can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth.
Congenital Zika Syndrome
Congenital Zika syndrome is a unique pattern of birth defects and disabilities found among fetuses and babies infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. Although many of the features seen as part of congenital Zika syndrome can be caused by other infections during pregnancy, there is often a pattern of the features below that has been termed congenital Zika syndrome:
Severe microcephaly where the skull has partially collapsed
Decreased brain tissue with a specific pattern of brain damage
Damage (i.e., scarring, pigment changes) to the back of the eye
Joints with limited range of motion, such as clubfoot
Too much muscle tone restricting body movement soon after birth
Babies who were infected with Zika before birth may have damage to their eyes and/or the part of their brain that is responsible for vision, which may affect their visual development. Both babies with and without microcephaly can have eye problems. If your baby was born with congenital Zika infection, he or she should receive the recommended screenings and tests to check for eye and other health problems, even if your baby appears healthy.
A recent study in Brazil found that at 19-24 months, babies with congenital Zika virus infection exhibited challenges with sitting independently, feeding, and sleeping. The babies also experienced seizures and hearing and vision problems, such as not responding to the sound of a rattle and not being able to follow a moving object with their eyes. It is important to note that babies affected by Zika virus will continue to require specialized care from many types of healthcare providers and caregivers as they age.
Not all babies born with congenital Zika infection will have all of these problems. Some infants with congenital Zika virus infection who do not have microcephaly at birth may later experience slowed head growth and develop postnatal microcephaly.
Recognizing that Zika is a cause of certain birth defects does not mean that every pregnant woman infected with Zika will have a baby with a birth defect. It means that infection with Zika during pregnancy increases the chances for these problems. Scientists continue to study how Zika virus affects mothers and their children to better understand the full range of potential health problems that Zika virus infection during pregnancy may cause.
Future Pregnancies
Based on the available evidence, we think that Zika virus infection in a woman who is not pregnant would not pose a risk for birth defects in future pregnancies after the virus has cleared from her blood. From what we know about similar infections, once a person has been infected with Zika virus, he or she is likely to be protected from a future Zika infection.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (9)
Hold Me Mother, Mother embraces her child born with microcephaly.
Mother embraces her child born with microcephaly. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. João was born with microcephaly – he has a smaller head and under-developed brain. This once-rare condition is becoming more common in Brazil because of Zika outbreaks. Many families struggle to cope with the needs of children with microcephaly, and more and more are abandoned – including João. He was later adopted by Marilene and given a loving home. The wider story. In October 2015, Brazil reported a link between Zika infections among pregnant women and cases of microcephaly in their newborn babies. The condition can cause long-term physical impairments, but researchers have recently found that certain treatments within the first six months of infancy, such as physiotherapy, can reduce these effects.
Image by Felipe Fittipaldi / Wellcome Photography Prize 2019/Wikimedia
Zika Virus and Birth Defects
Video by UC San Diego Health/YouTube
What is microcephaly?
Video by KHON2 News/YouTube
Living with Microcephaly
Video by The Spoke/YouTube
How the Zika virus affects an infant's brain
Video by Washington Post/YouTube
Zika Virus | What Is Microcephaly?
Video by CBC News: The National/YouTube
Why did Zika cause more birth defects in Northeast Brazil?
Video by Science Animated/YouTube
What to know if your doctor suspects microcephaly
If your doctor has told you that your developing baby may have microcephaly or other
health conditions related to Zika infection during pregnancy, you and your family may
feel overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of what to do next. Read on to learn more
about these conditions and find out where you can go for help during pregnancy.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Microcephaly
Normal Baby head compared to baby with microcephaly
Image by CDC
Hold Me Mother, Mother embraces her child born with microcephaly.
Felipe Fittipaldi / Wellcome Photography Prize 2019/Wikimedia
4:32
Zika Virus and Birth Defects
UC San Diego Health/YouTube
1:29
What is microcephaly?
KHON2 News/YouTube
1:17
Living with Microcephaly
The Spoke/YouTube
1:38
How the Zika virus affects an infant's brain
Washington Post/YouTube
2:16
Zika Virus | What Is Microcephaly?
CBC News: The National/YouTube
3:00
Why did Zika cause more birth defects in Northeast Brazil?
Science Animated/YouTube
What to know if your doctor suspects microcephaly
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Microcephaly
CDC
Hearing Loss
Newborn hearing screening
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Newborn hearing screening
Staff Sgt. Arlitha Ivey, 96th Inpatient Squadron, places an ear bud into the ear of Sarah Thompson, daughter of Senior Airman Josh Thompson, 1st Special Operations Wing, to begin her newborn hearing screening. The screening measures otoacoustic emissions, which are sounds produced by the outer hair cells within the inner ear. It is common practice for babies born on base and a state-mandated procedure in Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Caring for Your Baby: Hearing Loss Related to Zika
Hearing loss has been found among some babies born to people with evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Read below to learn more about how Zika virus might affect your baby’s hearing and find out what you can do to get the care your baby needs.
Zika and Hearing Loss
Zika virus infection during pregnancy might cause a range of health problems, including hearing loss, in babies. Hearing loss can be mild to severe.
Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss
The signs and symptoms of hearing loss are different for each baby. Some babies might be diagnosed shortly after birth and some might be diagnosed at a later age. Even if your baby has passed a hearing screening before, it is important to look out for the following signs:
Is not startled by loud noises
Does not turn to the source of a sound after 6 months of age
Does not say single words, such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age
Turns head when they see you but not if you only call out their name. This sometimes is mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss.
Seems to hear some sounds, but not others.
If You’re Concerned
It is important to let a doctor or healthcare provider know that your baby may have been exposed to Zika during pregnancy. It may be helpful to take notes or videos of your baby’s behavior to explain your concerns during the visit. The doctor may refer your baby to a specialist, such as an audiologist, to get their hearing and ears checked.
If you think there could be a problem with your baby’s hearing, talk to your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider about your concerns.
When to Check Your Baby’s Hearing
A newborn hearing screening is the first exam to determine if your baby might have hearing loss. If the screening test indicates that there might be a problem, a follow-up test is used to confirm the hearing loss and determine the severity. Nearly all newborns are screened for hearing problems before leaving the hospital. If your baby passes their hearing screening but displays concerning behavior, it is important that you express your concerns to your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider.
By 1 month of age
Your baby should receive a hearing screening.
If you or your baby tested positive for Zika virus infection, or your baby has any abnormalities related to Zika, your baby should be screened by automated auditory brainstem response (automated ABR).
Treatment and Services for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. Treatment and intervention services can help a child with hearing loss. The type of treatment or intervention options, such as hearing aids, can vary depending on the severity of your baby’s hearing loss. Your baby will be evaluated by a pediatrician and hearing specialist before treatment options are determined. There are services for children from birth through 36 months of age called Early Intervention or Part C services. Even if your child has not been diagnosed with hearing loss, he or she may be eligible for early intervention and treatment services.
We are still learning about the effects of Zika on a baby’s ability to hear, as well as what treatments may improve hearing. It is important for you to work with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider early to manage your baby’s care together.
Care for Your Baby
Babies with hearing loss need support as they grow and develop. A team of many different specialists may work together to evaluate and care for your baby. It is important to work with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider to create a medical home to ensure your baby is receiving ongoing, coordinated care.
Stay in regular communication with the doctors and keep regular appointments. Make sure your baby is getting the recommended screenings and follow-up care. If you have concerns, be sure to talk with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (4)
Insight into How Congenital Zika Syndrome Results in Impaired Hearing Loss
Video by Contagion_Live/YouTube
Beyond the Blood Spot: Newborn Screening for Hearing Loss and Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
For Parents: Roadmap for Babies with Congenital Zika Infection
This document should be used as a guide to discuss the screening and testing your baby may receive with his or her
primary care provider.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What to know if your baby was born with congenital zika syndrome
As a parent of a new baby with health conditions related to Zika infection
during pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of how
to care for your new baby. Read on to learn more about health conditions
related to Zika and find out where you can go for help.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
0:34
Insight into How Congenital Zika Syndrome Results in Impaired Hearing Loss
Contagion_Live/YouTube
14:52
Beyond the Blood Spot: Newborn Screening for Hearing Loss and Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
For Parents: Roadmap for Babies with Congenital Zika Infection
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What to know if your baby was born with congenital zika syndrome
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Newborn Hearing Screening
Newborn Hearing Screening
Also called: Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, EHDI
The newborn hearing screening is a routine test used to detect deaf or hard-of-hearing babies. This test is done so that early treatment and interventions can be provided if your baby has hearing problems.
Newborn Hearing Screening
Also called: Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, EHDI
The newborn hearing screening is a routine test used to detect deaf or hard-of-hearing babies. This test is done so that early treatment and interventions can be provided if your baby has hearing problems.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Pass.
A pass result means that your baby has typical hearing in both ears at the time of screening. Most babies with pass results do not need more testing. However, babies who pass newborn hearing screening may still develop hearing loss later in infancy or childhood.
Related conditions
The newborn hearing screening is a routine test that helps identify babies who have hearing loss as early as possible.
You may think that your baby responds well to sound because they turn their head or are startled by a noise, but this is not always true. Some babies may struggle to hear all the sounds surrounding them, and babies who are hard of hearing may not even hear certain sounds, making it harder for them to understand spoken language.
Two screening tests can be used:
Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR)
This test is used to see how your baby’s auditory (hearing) nerve and brain respond to sounds played through small earphones.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
This test is used to measure the sound waves (echo) produced in your baby’s inner ear when sound is played through a soft earphone placed just outside their ear canal.
In the United States, approximately one to three babies out of 1,000 are born with hearing loss in one or both ears. This number goes up to about 1 in every 100 babies that had to spend more than 48 hours in intensive care at birth.
Furthermore, most of these babies are born into families with no previous history of permanent hearing loss.
It has been demonstrated that the first three years of a child’s life are the most important for them to learn speech and language, and hearing loss can interfere with that. In the long term, hearing loss can also have a negative impact on the child’s academic achievement and social development.
Hence, early hearing screening and intervention can give these children a better chance of developing adequate communication skills later in life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends hearing screenings for all newborns.
Ideally, your baby should be tested in the hospital before discharge; or at least during their first month of life. However, the newborn screening test can be done at up to three months of age.
The goal is for a baby who has been identified as deaf or hard of hearing to be enrolled in early intervention or treatment by the age of six months.
Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR)
The healthcare practitioner will place three small sensors, called electrodes, on your baby’s head, and soft earphones into your baby’s ears. The sensors adhere and come off like stickers and should not cause discomfort. Then, gentle clicks or tones are played and measured by a portable machine.
This test is painless and takes no more than 15 minutes.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
During this test, a small soft-tipped earphone is placed just outside each of your baby’s ear, and gentle clicks and tones are played; then, the echos those sounds produce inside both your baby’s ear canals are measured by a portable machine.
This test is painless and takes no more than 15 minutes.
No preparations are needed. In fact, your baby can rest or sleep during the tests.
The newborn hearing screening test is entirely painless and risk-free.
Passed (normal)
A normal result means that your baby can hear well from both ears. However, some babies can develop hearing loss as they grow up; therefore, further screening is necessary during your baby’s growth to ensure no problems arise in the future.
Not Passed (abnormal)
If your baby does not pass the hearing screening test at birth, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem. In most cases, babies who don’t pass this test at first have normal hearing.
In some cases, certain things such as excessive noise in the room, or build-up of fluid or vernix (a white cheese-like coating that covers the skin of all newborns) inside your baby's ear, can affect the test results.
Regardless, it is extremely important to have further testing done when your baby has abnormal hearing test results. Follow-up tests should be done as soon as possible and before your baby is three months old.
Due to the negative implications that undiagnosed hearing loss can bring to your child’s language development, it is extremely important that you allow this test to be performed on your newborn.
However, you can refuse this test. If you do, you will be given checklists to help you keep track of your baby’s hearing as they grow older.
If your baby is confirmed to be deaf or hard of hearing, early treatment and intervention with a team of specialists should start as soon as possible.
Even if your child shows no signs of hearing problems, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening to be repeated at ages 4, 5, 6, 8,10, and between ages 11-14, 15-17, and 18-21; or at any time if there is a concern.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Purpose-of-Newborn-Hearing-Screening.aspx [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/newborn-hearing-test/ [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/your-babys-hearing-screening [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/parentsguide/understanding/newbornhearingscreening.html [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007322.htm [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/hearing-loss-and-your-baby.aspx [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/newborn-screening-hearing-screen-infographic.aspx [accessed on Sep 12, 2020]
Additional Materials (8)
Newborn hearing screening
Staff Sgt. Arlitha Ivey, 96th Inpatient Squadron, places an ear bud into the ear of Sarah Thompson, daughter of Senior Airman Josh Thompson, 1st Special Operations Wing, to begin her newborn hearing screening. The screening measures otoacoustic emissions, which are sounds produced by the outer hair cells within the inner ear. It is common practice for babies born on base and a state-mandated procedure in Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Newborn hearing screening
Sarah Thompson, daughter of Senior Airman Josh Thompson, 1st Special Operations Wing, yawns as she undergoes a newborn hearing screening approximately 24 hours after her birth. The screening measures otoacoustic emissions, which are sounds produced by the outer hair cells within the inner ear. It is common practice for babies born on base and a state-mandated procedure in Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Newborn hearing test
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va -- Wyatt Worsley, 3-week-old son of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Clayton Worsley, Norfolk Naval Base, receives a hearing test from U.S. Air Force Major Jennifer Carey, 633d Medical Group chief of audiology services, during his after birth screening July 13,. Major Carey volunteers to care for newborn patients when the labor and delivery clinic needs the extra help.
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
Newborn hearing screening
Staff Sgt. Arlitha Ivey, 96th Inpatient Squadron, watches the Eroscan device that tests the hearing of Sarah Thompson, daughter of Senior Airman Josh Thompson, 1st Special Operations Wing. The instrument measures otoacoustic emissions, which are sounds produced by the outer hair cells within the inner ear. It is common practice for babies born on base and a state-mandated procedure in Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Neonatal Hearing Screening
A newborn infant undergoes a hearing screening.
Image by Liannadavis
Ear Internal Anatomy
3D visualization of the inner structures of the ear reconstructed from scanned human data. Sound waves enter the ear through the external auditory meatus (ear canal) where they bounce up against the thin membranous tympanic membrane (eardrum). This vibration moves three very small bones (the ossicles) of the middle ear which in turn, pass on the vibration to a membrane at the entrance of the middle ear. When this membrane vibrates, it stimulates a pulsating wave through the fluid that fills the cochlea causing a current of vibrations to pass over millions of small hairs called stereocilia. The stereocilia translate the mechanical movement into sensory impulses which are transmitted directly to the brain. The brain interprets the impulses as sound. The mechanisms of the inner ear are also responsible for perception of balance and equilibrium.
Image by TheVisualMD
3-week-old infant receives a hearing test
Wyatt Worsley, 3-week-old son of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Clayton Worsley, Norfolk Naval Base, receives a hearing test from U.S. Air Force Major Jennifer Carey, 633d Medical Group chief of audiology services, during his after birth screening July 13,. Major Carey volunteers to care for newborn patients when the labor and delivery clinic needs the extra help.
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
Checks an infant for an ear infection
Air Force Capt. Amber Tyler, medical augmentee embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), checks an infant for an ear infection at the Juan Comenius High School medical clinic. Kearsarge is supporting the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008, an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
Image by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Adam Nuzzo
Newborn hearing screening
U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Newborn hearing screening
U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Newborn hearing test
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
Newborn hearing screening
U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
Neonatal Hearing Screening
Liannadavis
Ear Internal Anatomy
TheVisualMD
3-week-old infant receives a hearing test
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
Checks an infant for an ear infection
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Adam Nuzzo
Hearing Tests for Children
Hearing Tests for Children
Also called: Pediatric Audiometry
Hearing tests for children measure how well your child can hear. A child can be born with a hearing problem or develop one later on. If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, you may be able to take steps to treat or manage the condition.
Hearing Tests for Children
Also called: Pediatric Audiometry
Hearing tests for children measure how well your child can hear. A child can be born with a hearing problem or develop one later on. If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, you may be able to take steps to treat or manage the condition.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
dB
15
25
40
55
70
90
Your result is Normal hearing.
Hearing threshold levels (the quietest sounds you can hear) are measured in decibels (dB) at different frequencies from low (500 Hz) to high (8000 Hz). The range for normal hearing is 0 to 15 dB. The full safe range of human hearing ranges from -10 to 120 dB.
Related conditions
Hearing tests measure how well your baby or child can hear different sounds. Some babies are born with hearing problems. Other children are born with normal hearing and begin to have hearing problems later in childhood.
Hearing loss in infancy and early childhood can delay a child's ability to talk, understand spoken language, and develop social skills. Hearing tests can find problems early so that children with hearing loss can be treated and get help learning language skills as soon as possible.
Hearing depends on a series of steps that change sound waves into electrical signals that the brain understands as sounds. Hearing loss happens when there's a problem with any of these steps:
Sound waves enter the outer ear and travel to the eardrum in the middle ear.
The soundwaves vibrate the eardrum, which sends the vibrations to tiny bones that make the vibrations stronger.
The vibrating bones make tiny waves in the fluid that's inside the cochlea. The cochlea is a snail-shaped structure in the inner ear. It is lined with sensory cells that have hair-like structures. When the hair cells move with the fluid waves, they create electrical signals.
The auditory (hearing) nerve carries the electrical signals from the inner ear to the brain, which turns them into sounds you can recognize and understand.
There are three main types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves can't reach the inner ear. Earwax or abnormal fluid in the ear may be blocking the path, or a hole in the eardrum may prevent it from vibrating. Ear infections are a common cause of this type of hearing loss in infants and young children. Medical treatment or surgery can often improve hearing.
Sensorineural hearing loss (also called nerve deafness) happens when there's damage to the cochlea in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss ranges from mild (difficulty hearing certain sounds) to profound (not hearing any sound). The hearing loss is usually permanent, but it can improve with hearing aids or other devices.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
One type of sensorineural hearing loss is called auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). With ANSD, there's problem with how the inner ear or the hearing nerve sends sound to the brain. This type of hearing disorder may happen if your child has health problems before or during birth or as a newborn. These problems include premature birth (being born too soon), low birth weight, and jaundice. ANSD may also be caused by a genetic disorder.
Other names: audiometry; audiography, audiogram, sound test
Hearing screening tests are used to find out if a newborn, baby, or child may have hearing loss. These quick pass/fail tests show whether your child needs more testing. They can't diagnose hearing loss.
More complete hearing tests are used to diagnose hearing loss if your child doesn't pass a screening test, or if you have concerns about your child's hearing. These tests can show which type of hearing loss your child has and how severe it is.
Routine hearing screening tests are recommended for all babies and children:
Newborns should have a screening test for hearing problems by 1 month of age.
If you give birth in a hospital, the screening test is usually done before your baby goes home.
If you give birth at home, make sure to get your baby tested during the first month after birth.
Children should have their hearing checked before they enter school. School-aged children may have hearing screening tests as part of their regular health checkups. The tests are often done in school, too.
More complete hearing tests are needed any time there is a concern about your child's hearing:
If your baby doesn't pass the newborn hearing screening test, your baby will need complete hearing tests as soon as possible, but no later than 3 months of age.
If your baby passes the newborn hearing screening test, but has a high risk for developing hearing loss, your baby will need complete hearing tests between 24 to 30 months of age. Your baby's risk may be higher if childhood hearing loss runs in your family or if your baby had certain infections. Ask your baby's provider about your baby's risk level.
If your baby or child shows signs of hearing loss, contact your child's provider as soon as possible.
Signs of hearing loss in a baby include:
Not jumping or being startled at loud noises
After 6 months of age, not turning toward a sound
By 12 months of age, not saying a few simple words, such as "dada" or "mama"
Signs of hearing loss in children include:
Unclear speech
Not following directions
Often saying, "Huh?"
Turning the TV volume up too high
Learning problems
Hearing tests depend on your child's age and ability to follow instructions:
Hearing screening tests for newborns, infants, and very young children can measure hearing without needing your child to cooperate. These tests can even be done while your child sleeps:
Auditory brainstorm (ABR) tests check the inner ear, the hearing nerve, and parts of the brain that are involved with hearing. During an ABR test:
The provider will place electrodes (small sensors that stick to the skin) on the scalp. The electrodes are connected to a computer.
Tiny, soft earphones will be placed inside the ears.
The earphones will play sounds.
The electrodes measure how the brain responses to the sounds. The results are shown on the computer.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) tests check for damage in the hair cells in the cochlea. During an OAE test:
A small device will be placed in the ear. It can make sound and measure sound.
Sound from the device makes the fluid in the cochlea ripple, which moves the hair cells. When the hairs move, they make vibrations that have their own sound called OAEs.
The device measures OAEs to see how well the hair cells are working. If the test shows little or no OAEs, your child may have sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing screening tests for older children are usually audiometry tests. These tests check the quietest sounds or words that your child can hear. For these tests:
Your child will wear headphones. If your child won't wear headphones, sounds may be played through speakers in a sound booth.
For a pure-tone test, each time your child hears a tone they will raise their hand, push a button, or say that they heard the sound.
For a speech test (also called speech discrimination testing), your child will hear simple words at different levels of loudness. Some words will be spoken over noise. Your child will repeat the words they hear.
Audiometry tests can be adapted for very young children and infants. For young children, the tests may include a game to help them pay attention to the sounds. For example, a child may put a block in a box each time they hear a sound.
For infants and toddlers, the provider will watch for behavior changes that show the child heard a sound. For example, an infant may start sucking a pacifier or look to see where the sound came from. When the child responds to a sound, they get to see a moving toy as a reward.
More complete hearing tests will be done if your child doesn't pass a hearing screening test. Your child's provider will usually refer you to a hearing specialist, such as:
A pediatric audiologist, a health care professional who is trained to test hearing, diagnose hearing loss, and provide hearing devices and services to improve hearing in children.
A pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT), a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating ear conditions in children. This type of provider may also be called a pediatric otologist.
During a complete hearing exam, your child may have several types of hearing tests that examine different parts hearing. These tests may include an ABR and/or an OAE test for children who were screened with audiometry tests. Other common tests include:
Tympanometry. This test checks how well the eardrum and bones in the middle ear are working. Your child will need to sit very still, so this test usually isn't used for infants or young children. During the test:
A small device will be placed in your child's ear.
The device will send air and sound into the ear, which makes the eardrum move. Your child will feel the air pressure.
A machine records the movements of the eardrum on graphs called tympanograms.
If the eardrum doesn't move normally, your child may have fluid or wax buildup in the ear, a hole in the eardrum, a tumor in the ear, middle ear bones that don't vibrate well, or another problem in the middle ear.
Acoustic Reflex Measures, also called middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR) test. This test shows how the ear responds to loud sounds. Normally, a tiny muscle inside the ear tightens to protect your ear when you hear loud noises. If unusually loud noises are needed to trigger the muscle to tighten, or if it doesn't tighten at all, your child may have hearing loss. To do the test:
A small device will be placed in your child's ear.
The device will make loud sounds.
A machine will show if the sound triggered the ear muscle to tighten.
There are no special preparations for a hearing test. But it's helpful to tell you child what to expect. Let your child know they will hear sounds. If you have a pair of headphones, you might let your child try them on to see what they feel like.
There is no risk to having hearing tests.
If your child's hearing screening test shows normal hearing, your child usually won't need more hearing tests until their next routine screening. But if you have concerns about your child's hearing or if your child has risks for hearing loss, talk with your child's provider about getting more complete hearing tests.
If the results of complete hearing tests show that your child has hearing loss, the results will also show how severe it is, which ear is affected more, and whether they have conductive sensorineural, or both types of hearing loss.
With conductive hearing loss, treatment may be able to restore your child's hearing. The treatment will depend on what's blocking sound from reaching the inner ear. It may include removing wax, draining fluid, or doing surgery to fix problems with the eardrum or ear bones.
With sensorineural hearing loss, the loss of hearing is permanent. But your child's hearing may improve with hearing aids or surgery to implant a device called a cochlear implant.
Other treatment and support options for hearing loss in children include:
Working with professionals who can help children and their families learn to communicate. This may include learning sign language, lip reading, or other ways to communicate.
Education to help your child learn communication skills.
Assistive devices, such as devices for using the telephone and alerting your child to alarms, doorbells, and other sounds.
Support groups.
If you have questions about your child's hearing and treatment, talk with your child's primary care provider or hearing specialist.
Hearing Tests for Children: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Feb 06, 2024]
Additional Materials (27)
Pediatrician examines a child
Lt. Cmdr. Dorey Harlan, a pediatrician assigned to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), examines a child during a medical community service event at the Damril Clinic in Kampong Cham, Cambodia.
Image by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Husman
Newborn hearing screening
Sarah Thompson, daughter of Senior Airman Josh Thompson, 1st Special Operations Wing, has an ear bud placed in her ear prior to her newborn hearing screening. The screening measures otoacoustic emissions, which are sounds produced by the outer hair cells within the inner ear. It is common practice for babies born on base and a state-mandated procedure in Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
auditory technician, performs a hearing test on a newborn baby
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Derrick Villalobos, an auditory technician, performs a hearing test on a newborn baby at Naval Medical Center San Diego. A physical assessment is performed in the first 24 hours of life and includes blood work, hearing tests and a head-to-toe examination. More than 300 babies are born per month at the medical center.
Image by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda L. Kilpatrick
Infographic Newborn screening system
Infographic Newborn screening system
Image by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Newborn Hearing Screening - Boys Town National Research Hospital
Video by BoysTownHospital/YouTube
Testing a Child's Hearing - Boys Town National Research Hospital
Video by BoysTownHospital/YouTube
Information about newborn hearing tests
Video by CNN/YouTube
Newborn Hearing Testing Screening (OAE and ABR)
Video by Fauquier ENT/YouTube
When should I have my child's hearing tested?
Video by Ascension Via Christi/YouTube
Mayo Clinic Minute: Why your child needs a hearing test
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Newborn Hearing Screening
Video by Health Science Channel/YouTube
Caring For Your Newborn
Video by Dartmouth-Hitchcock/YouTube
Tips for teaching deaf children with a mild hearing loss
Video by National Deaf Children's Society/YouTube
My Baby Has a Hearing Loss: A Starting Guide for Parents
Video by California Speech Language Hearing Association/YouTube
Hearing Loss in Children: Strategies for Better Communication | Boston Children's Hospital
Video by Boston Children's Hospital/YouTube
Is your child's hearing loss genetic?
Video by Michigan Medicine/YouTube
How Newborn Hearing Screening Helps Children
Video by Washington State Department of Health/YouTube
Newborn Hearing Testing - WVU Medicine Health Report
Video by WVU Medicine/YouTube
Mayo Clinic Minute: When older adults need a hearing exam
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Mayo Clinic Minute: Importance of screening your newborn's hearing
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Routine ear check-up
Maj. James Tschudy, a pediatrician with the 6th Medical Operations Squadron, examines a patient’s ear during a routine check-up at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., April 21, 2016. Military children go through the same aches, illnesses and injuries that most children do, but often with the added stress of a recent PCS, parent’s deployments and military lifestyles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
Assessing Baby's Reaction to Sound
Image by tung256/Pixabay
3-week-old infant receives a hearing test
Wyatt Worsley, 3-week-old son of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Clayton Worsley, Norfolk Naval Base, receives a hearing test from U.S. Air Force Major Jennifer Carey, 633d Medical Group chief of audiology services, during his after birth screening July 13,. Major Carey volunteers to care for newborn patients when the labor and delivery clinic needs the extra help.
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
Diagram of tympanometry
Diagram of tympanometry
Image by Scott Martin, translation of File:Tympanometrie Schema1.svg by Welleschik into English
How to Conduct a Tuning Fork Test
Video by American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery/YouTube
What is Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing?
Video by Interacoustics/YouTube
ABR Case Study: Normal Hearing
Video by Interacoustics/YouTube
Pediatrician examines a child
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Husman
Newborn hearing screening
U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.
auditory technician, performs a hearing test on a newborn baby
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda L. Kilpatrick
Infographic Newborn screening system
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
1:54
Newborn Hearing Screening - Boys Town National Research Hospital
BoysTownHospital/YouTube
3:17
Testing a Child's Hearing - Boys Town National Research Hospital
BoysTownHospital/YouTube
2:10
Information about newborn hearing tests
CNN/YouTube
3:51
Newborn Hearing Testing Screening (OAE and ABR)
Fauquier ENT/YouTube
2:36
When should I have my child's hearing tested?
Ascension Via Christi/YouTube
1:01
Mayo Clinic Minute: Why your child needs a hearing test
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
3:56
Newborn Hearing Screening
Health Science Channel/YouTube
24:44
Caring For Your Newborn
Dartmouth-Hitchcock/YouTube
2:46
Tips for teaching deaf children with a mild hearing loss
National Deaf Children's Society/YouTube
19:46
My Baby Has a Hearing Loss: A Starting Guide for Parents
California Speech Language Hearing Association/YouTube
5:53
Hearing Loss in Children: Strategies for Better Communication | Boston Children's Hospital
Boston Children's Hospital/YouTube
2:14
Is your child's hearing loss genetic?
Michigan Medicine/YouTube
3:02
How Newborn Hearing Screening Helps Children
Washington State Department of Health/YouTube
1:40
Newborn Hearing Testing - WVU Medicine Health Report
WVU Medicine/YouTube
1:01
Mayo Clinic Minute: When older adults need a hearing exam
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
1:00
Mayo Clinic Minute: Importance of screening your newborn's hearing
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Routine ear check-up
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
Assessing Baby's Reaction to Sound
tung256/Pixabay
3-week-old infant receives a hearing test
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins
Diagram of tympanometry
Scott Martin, translation of File:Tympanometrie Schema1.svg by Welleschik into English
4:34
How to Conduct a Tuning Fork Test
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery/YouTube
9:04
What is Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing?
Interacoustics/YouTube
13:18
ABR Case Study: Normal Hearing
Interacoustics/YouTube
Developmental Delay
infant Brain Development
Image by TheVisualMD
infant Brain Development
infant Brain Development
Image by TheVisualMD
Caring for Your Baby: Developmental Delay Related to Zika
Developmental delay has been found among some babies born to people with evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Read below to learn more about how Zika virus might affect your baby’s development and find out what you can do to get the care your baby needs.
Zika and Developmental Delay
Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to brain abnormalities and other birth defects in babies. Zika infection during pregnancy might affect how the baby’s brain develops and could lead to one or more developmental problems. Levels of developmental delay can vary greatly. Some babies may have more severe problems than others. Developmental delay may cause a baby to learn and develop at a slower rate than other babies of the same age. We continue to learn how babies born to mothers who had Zika virus during pregnancy grow and develop.
Signs of Developmental Delay
A baby with developmental delay may reach the following developmental milestones later than other babies their age:
Sitting up
Crawling
Walking
Balancing
Talking
In addition, a baby with developmental delay may have trouble sleeping or have a delayed response when shown a new object or exposed to a new sound.
Visit CDC’s Milestones in Action image library and checklist to view average developmental milestones for babies ranging from 2 months to 5 years.
If You’re Concerned
If you were exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy and suspect your baby has developmental delay
Tell your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider that your baby may have been exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy
Talk to your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider early about your concerns
Take your baby to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, if recommended by your baby’s doctor.
Contact your local early intervention agency (for children younger than 3 years) or public school (for children 3 years and older) for an evaluation.
We are still learning about the effects of Zika virus on a baby’s development. It is important for you to work with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider early to manage your baby’s care together.
Care for Your Baby
Babies with developmental delays possibly due to Zika virus infection before birth need support as they grow and develop. A team of many different specialists may work together to evaluate and care for your baby. It is important to work with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider to create a medical home to ensure they are receiving ongoing, coordinated care.
Stay in regular communication with your baby’s doctors and keep regular appointments. Make sure your baby is getting the recommended screenings and follow-up care. If you have concerns, be sure to talk with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (5)
1 year old
1 year old
Image by adtkedia/Pixabay
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Babies born with Zika-related birth defects
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Zika in Babies in US Territories, August, Vital Signs
Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
Mother shares story of daughter living with microcephaly
Video by LOCAL 12/YouTube
Florida State - Johns Hopkins team makes zika virus breakthrough
Video by FloridaState/YouTube
1 year old
adtkedia/Pixabay
2:48
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Babies born with Zika-related birth defects
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
0:56
Zika in Babies in US Territories, August, Vital Signs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
3:40
Mother shares story of daughter living with microcephaly
LOCAL 12/YouTube
2:36
Florida State - Johns Hopkins team makes zika virus breakthrough
FloridaState/YouTube
Vision Problems
Infant Eye cross section
Image by TheVisualMD
Infant Eye cross section
Cross-section of the healthy eye of an infant, showing a retina that is in perfect condition, having never been exposed to smoke-borne toxins that would compromise circulation and result in retinal damage. Image supports content showing the health benefits of smoke cessation.
Image by TheVisualMD
Caring for Your Baby: Vision Problems Related to Zika
Serious eye problems have been found among some babies born to people with evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Read below to learn more about how Zika virus may affect your baby’s eyes and find out what you can do to get the care your baby needs.
Zika and Vision Problems
Zika infection during pregnancy might damage a baby’s eyes and lead to different types of eye or vision problems. Eye and vision problems can range from mild to severe. All babies born to mothers who had possible Zika virus infection during pregnancy should receive an eye exam by an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in caring for the eyes) by one month of age.
Some eye problems that have been observed in babies exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy include
Injury to the retina (the part of the eye that senses light)
Microphthalmia (one or both eyes are abnormally small)
Eyes that are missing pieces of tissue (may appear as “gaps” in parts of the eye)
Cataracts (cloudy lens)
Glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye)
Infants born to mothers with Zika infection during pregnancy may have mild to severe damage to the optic nerve (nerve that sends information from the eye to the brain).
Signs and Symptoms of Vision Problems
Vision problems can mean your baby
Does not see objects as clearly as usual
Cannot see as wide an area as usual without moving their eyes or turning their head
A baby who is experiencing problems with their eyes or vision might
Close or cover one eye
Squint their eyes or frown
Experience crossing or roaming of one eye
Experience watery eyes
Have red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen eyelids
If you think your baby may have vision problems, talk to a doctor or healthcare provider about your concerns.
When to Check Your Baby’s Vision
CDC recommends that babies born to mothers with Zika infection during pregnancy have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist within 1 month after birth. This doctor will perform a thorough eye exam on your baby and check for problems with the structure of the eye, as well as any problems with the eye that might be a result of problems with the brain.
Treatment and Services for Vision Problems
There is no treatment available that will restore complete vision for babies with severe eye problems. For other conditions, steps that can be taken include
Glasses to improve a baby’s vision
Surgery to fix a cataract, or clouding of a baby’s eye lens
Vision therapy to improve vision skills such as eye movement control
We are still learning about the effects of Zika on a baby’s eyes and what treatments can improve a baby’s vision. It is important for you to work with an ophthalmologist early to manage your baby’s eye care together.
Care for Your Baby
Babies with vision problems need support as they grow and develop. A team of many different specialists may work together to evaluate and care for your baby. It is important to work with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider to create a medical home to ensure your baby is receiving ongoing, coordinated care.
Stay in regular communication with the doctors and keep regular appointments. Make sure your baby is getting the recommended screenings and follow-up care. If you have concerns, be sure to talk with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (4)
WHO: Zika virus - Questions and answers (Q&A)
Video by World Health Organization (WHO)/YouTube
Learning to live with the impact of Zika
Video by World Mosquito Program/YouTube
Analyzing the Impact of Zika on pediatric eye disease
Video by HCPLive/YouTube
Joseph Biggio, MD
Video by University of Alabama at Birmingham/YouTube
2:53
WHO: Zika virus - Questions and answers (Q&A)
World Health Organization (WHO)/YouTube
3:24
Learning to live with the impact of Zika
World Mosquito Program/YouTube
5:17
Analyzing the Impact of Zika on pediatric eye disease
HCPLive/YouTube
9:50
Joseph Biggio, MD
University of Alabama at Birmingham/YouTube
Eye Examinations
Eye Examinations
Also called: Eye Exams, Routine Eye Examination, Standard Ophthalmic Exam, Vision Tests
A standard eye exam is a series of tests done to check your vision and the health of your eyes. Key elements of an eye examination include dilation, tonometry, visual field test and a visual acuity test.
Eye Examinations
Also called: Eye Exams, Routine Eye Examination, Standard Ophthalmic Exam, Vision Tests
A standard eye exam is a series of tests done to check your vision and the health of your eyes. Key elements of an eye examination include dilation, tonometry, visual field test and a visual acuity test.
Eye examinations tend to follow a certain pattern: After talking with your doctor about the type and severity of your symptoms, both eyes will usually be tested to measure the visual acuity (sharpness of sight). Then the doctor will look at your eyes from the outside, take a closer look at them using a slit lamp, and measure the intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eyeball). Eye drops are given before some tests to dilate (enlarge) the pupil of the eye for a certain amount of time. This makes it easier for the doctor to see the back of the eye. Depending on the symptoms and any other medical conditions you may have, the eye examination might be carried out differently and additional tests might be done.
Structure of the eye
Eye examinations may be necessary for various reasons, for instance due to external eye injuries or sudden vision problems. Vision also tends to get worse with age, so many people end up going to see an eye doctor at some point.
General eye examinations typically involve testing your vision and your pupillary response (how your pupils react). Pupils usually automatically contract and get smaller when light enters the eye.
The doctor first looks at the eye from the outside to see whether, for instance, the conjunctiva or eyelids are red and inflamed. The conjunctiva are the membranes lining the exposed part of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids. If your eye hurts, it is important to describe exactly where it hurts – e.g. on the surface of the eye, inside the eye or only when you move your eye? Eye pain can also radiate to your forehead or temples.
If you aren't sure whether your vision has got worse, you can have your visual acuity (sharpness of sight) tested by an eyespecialist. To do this eye test, one of your eyes is covered and you are asked to look at an eye chart with your other eye. The chart may have letters, numbers or C-shapes on it. These get smaller as you go down the chart.
Your visual acuity is measured by determining which of the figures you can still recognize from five meters away. The eye doctor will also check your near vision by holding a card with a similar chart on it at reading distance (about 30 centimeters). If necessary, this eye test can then be repeated using corrective lenses. Technically speaking, visual acuity is a measure of how well you can see two points as being separate. The closer together the points are, the more difficult this becomes.
Vision is often assessed using other tests too. These include color vision tests, where you are asked to identify certain patterns in multicolored pictures. Eye movement and the position of your eyes relative to one another are important too. In children who have a squint, for example, the relative position of their eyes is abnormal due to different abilities of their left and right eye to see clearly. Tests to check your field of vision are also common.
Your field of vision (or visual field) is what you can see without moving your eye. The test is done using a bowl-shaped instrument known as a perimeter. With your head supported by a chin rest, you focus on a fixed spot at the center of the bowl. Lights flash in the bowl, and may move around or become increasingly brighter. If you see a flash or notice a change, you press a button. The more areas in your field of vision are tested, the more accurate the diagnosis – but the test will then take longer as a result.
Perimetry test: Press a button everytime you see a flash
Your field of vision is very important as it helps you know what is around you. Because various medical conditions affect the field of vision, perimetry tests are often done if damage to the retina or optic nerve is suspected, or if someone has headaches or dizzinessfor no known reason. Eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration also lead to changes in the field of vision. Although perimetry tests aren't painful, they can be quite tiring because you have to concentrate for a long time.
A slit lamp is a microscope that projects a narrow, slit-shaped light. It is one of the main instruments used by eye specialists. You are asked to place your head on a chin rest. The doctor sits across from you and shines the light into your eyes, one at a time.
The intense line of light and various lighting options (direct, indirect, diffuse) enable the doctor to see most of the different areas of the eye magnified up to 60 times: the front, middle and back of the eye, and even as far back as the retina in the fundus of the eye. Modern slit lamps also include a device that measures intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eyeball).
A special device known as an ophthalmoscope can be used to look at the fundus (back) of the eye through the pupil and examine structures like the retina, optic nerve, blood vessels and the choroid coat. This examination is known as ophthalmoscopy or funduscopy ("fundus" is the Latin word for "bottom" or "base"). About 20 minutes before the examination, the pupils of the eyes are dilated (enlarged) using eye drops.
In the direct exam, the doctor positions the ophthalmoscope close to the eye and shines a beam of light directly into it to see a small magnified section of the back of the eye. This is particularly useful for examining the structures at the center of the eye's fundus, including the optic nerve, the blood vessels and the macula.
In the indirect exam, the doctor uses a condensing lens with a bright light to examine the eye from a distance of about 60 centimeters. This allows them to see a larger area of the fundus, providing a better overview as well as a three-dimensional image. A slit lamp is sometimes used at the same time. Doing so greatly magnifies the retina and provides better lighting.
Conditions such as retinal detachment and optic nerve damage can be diagnosed using ophthalmoscopy. This examination can also be a good idea in people who have diabetes or high blood pressure because both of these conditions can damage blood vessels in the eye.
If your pupils are dilated using eye drops, your eyes become very sensitive to light and your vision becomes blurred. For this reason, you are only allowed to drive a car or operate machinery again once the effect of the eye drops has worn off.
The measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry) is one of the most common eye examinations. The pressure inside the eyeball becomes too high if a fluid produced in the eye (called aqueous humor) cannot drain properly and starts to build up. An intraocular pressure of between 10 and 21 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered to be normal in adults.
Various instruments can be used to measure the pressure in the eye. In what is known as applanation tonometry, the cornea is first numbed using eye drops. Then a small measuring device is placed against the surface of the cornea, putting a little pressure on the eye.
The device measures how much pressure is needed to flatten the cornea by 3 millimeters. This is a measure of the pressure inside the eye.
Intraocular pressure can also be measured using an approach known as non-contact tonometry. Here the pressure is measured by applying a short puff of air to the cornea. Neither of these examinations are painful.
Other eye examinations can be done to confirm certain diagnoses and help plan treatment. For instance, the retina can be examined using fluorescein angiography. This involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in the arm. The dye spreads through all the blood vessels in the body, including those in the retina. The doctor can then use a special camera to detect changes in the blood vessels of the eye.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is another type of eye examination. OCT uses a laser to measure things like the thickness of the retina. This technique can be applied to detect the build-up of fluid in the retina.
Standard eye exam: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Sep 03, 2018]
Additional Materials (41)
Sclera (White of the Eye)
Human eye revealing sclera
Image by agnesliinnea
Slit Lamp Photo of Eye
Slit Lamp Photo of Eye
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released
Tuberous Sclerosis - What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with TSC is highly variable and depends on the severity of symptoms. Those individuals with mild symptoms usually do well and have a normal life expectancy, while paying attention to TSC-specific issues. Individuals who are severely affected can suffer from severe mental retardation and persistent epilepsy.
Image by National Eye Institute of the NIH
Eye diagram — side view
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Pupil Response
Dilated and Undilated Pupil - Portions of the retina that can be seen through an undilated versus a dilated pupil.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Low Vision
What is Low Vision Infographic. Information on low vision: causes, numbers, what we can do, and vision rehabilitation.
Image by National Eye Institute
Human Eye
Anatomy of the human eye with corneal cross-section
Image by National Eye Institute
Dilated Pupil
My friend had a scratch down her eye and had to have it dilated at hospital for three days with drops.
Image by Sophie Riches
Eye Drops
Eye drops ophthalmology service Hospital Douala Cameroun
Image by Happi Raphael/Wikimedia
Retinography
Self made ophtalmogram of the retina of the right eye. It shows the optic disc as a bright area on the right (nasal side) where blood vessels converge. The spot to the left (temporal side) of the centre is the macula. The grey, more diffuse spot in the centre is a shadow artifact.
Image by Ske.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Macular Degeneration Projected Statistics
Image by National Eye Institute
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Eye exam
Capt. Luanne Danes uses a light to check the anterior segment of Master Sgt. Timothy Vanderhoff's eye during his visit to the Optometry Clinic Nov. 19, 2009, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Captain Danes is looking for healthy structure of the eye and ensuring no corneal disease is present. Captain Danes, officer in charge of Optometry, is assigned to the 354th Medical Operation Squadron. Sergeant Vanderhoff, crew chief, is assigned to the 168th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
Eye exam
U.S. Navy Lt. Patricia Salazar examines a patient's eyes at a Continuing Promise medical clinic set up by staff assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort in Paita, Peru
Image by Petty Officer 1st Class Brian A. Goyak, U.S. Navy
Eye Examination
Eye Examination
Image by 12019
Infant Eye cross section
Cross-section of the healthy eye of an infant, showing a retina that is in perfect condition, having never been exposed to smoke-borne toxins that would compromise circulation and result in retinal damage. Image supports content showing the health benefits of smoke cessation.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cornea
Cornea - transparent covering over the eye
Image by www.keratomania.com Eye diagram by Chabacano via Wikimedia Commons
anatomy of the human eye, iris, cornea, pupil
Image by skeeze
Animation: Dilated Eye Exam
Video by National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
Iris (anatomy)
Image by Shanon
Pupil
Dilated and Undilated Pupil - Portions of the retina that can be seen through an undilated versus a dilated pupil.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
How is glaucoma detected?
The PASCAL Dynamic Contour Tonometer
Image by Tonywirthlin at English Wikipedia
Optical Coherence Tomography
A detailed cross-sectional image of the back of the eye is obtained using an optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Help protect yourself from getting and spreading Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)
Help protect yourself from getting and spreading Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)
Image by CDC
Dry Eye
Diffuse lissamine green staining in a person with severe dry eye.
Image by Jesse Vislisel, MD and Brice Critser, CRA
Tear Production
Cornea - Structures involved in tear production.
Image by National Eye Institute
Eyeglasses on display
Eyeglasses are displayed at the optometry clinic March 11, 2016, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The clinic hosts an internship program open to students including primary care, ocular disease and two specialty clinics, lasting two months each. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
Extrinsic Eye Muscles
Extrinsic Eye Muscles
Image by OpenStax
Eye movements elevators
Eye movements elevators
Image by Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist
Treating Amblyopia
In addition to patching the eye, one hour of “near” work, or close-up work, such as coloring, is part of the treatment for amblyopia.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Routine eye exam, rare diagnosis
This image shows deposits of cholesterol on the back of an eye affected by Coats’ Disease. The rare, congenital disease, only found in about one in 100,000 people, is caused by abnormal blood vessel development behind the retina. The affected blood vessels leak blood content into the eye leading to partial or complete retinal detachment if not treated. (Courtesy photo)
Image by Courtesy photo
Checking an elderly patient's eyes
U.S. Air Force Capt. Eric Noll, an optometrist with the 354th Medical Group, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, checks a patient’s eyesight at Tata Primary and Secondary School during Pacific Angel 18-3 in Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu, July 16, 2018. The optometry team handed out 228 pairs of eye glasses and 534 pairs of sunglasses during the first two days of the clinic. Now entering its eleventh year Operation PAC ANGEL ensures that the region’s militaries are prepared to work together to address humanitarian crises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelsey Tucker)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelsey Tucker
Eye Exam
U.S. Air Force Maj. Brett Ringger, an optometrist from the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing, tests a patient’s vision at a health-care clinic being operated by the Air National Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve at Lee County High School in Beattyville, Ky., June 23, 2018. The clinic is one of four that comprised Operation Bobcat, a 10-day mission to provide military medical troops with crucial training in field operations and logistics while offering no-cost health care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky. The clinics, which operated from June 15-24, offered non-emergent medical care; sports physicals; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and no-cost prescription eye glasses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Brett Ringger, an optometrist from the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing, tests a patient’s vision at a health-care clinic being operated by the Air National Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve at Lee County High School in Beattyville, Ky., June 23, 2018. The clinic is one of four that comprised Operation Bobcat, a 10-day mission to provide military medical troops with crucial training in field operations and logistics while offering no-cost health care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky. The clinics, which operated from June 15-24, offered non-emergent medical care; sports physicals; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and no-cost prescription eye glasses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)
Image by U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Vision Exam
U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Groves, an optometrist from the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing, conducts a vision exam at a health-care clinic being operated by the Air Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve at Estill County High School in Irvine, Ky., June 21, 2018. The clinic is one of four that comprised Operation Bobcat, a 10-day mission to provide military medical troops with crucial training in field operations and logistics while offering no-cost health care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky. The clinics, which operated from June 15-24, offered non-emergent medical care; sports physicals; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and no-cost prescription eye glasses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)
Image by U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Eyeglasses selection
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Julie Brown (left), a medic from the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing, helps Lindsey Howard of Richmond, Ky., select frames for a new pair of eyeglasses at a health-care clinic being operated by the Air Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve at Estill County High School in Irvine, Ky., June 21, 2018. The clinic is one of four that comprised Operation Bobcat, a 10-day mission to provide military medical troops with crucial training in field operations and logistics while offering no-cost health care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky. The clinics, which operated from June 15-24, offered non-emergent medical care; sports physicals; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and no-cost prescription eye glasses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)
Image by U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Eye Exam
U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Groves, an optometrist from the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing, examines a patient’s eyes at a health-care clinic being operated by the Air Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve at Estill County High School in Irvine, Ky., June 21, 2018. The clinic is one of four that comprised Operation Bobcat, a 10-day mission to provide military medical troops with crucial training in field operations and logistics while offering no-cost health care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky. The clinics, which operated from June 15-24, offered non-emergent medical care; sports physicals; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and no-cost prescription eye glasses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)
Image by U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Optometry
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dane Mendelsohn, a medic from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing, screens an optometry patient at a health-care clinic being operated by the Air Guard and U.S. Navy Reserve at Breathitt County High School in Jackson, Ky., June 20, 2018. The Jackson clinic is one of four that comprised Operation Bobcat, a 10-day mission to provide military medical troops with crucial training in field operations and logistics while offering no-cost health care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky. The clinics, which operated from June 15-24, offered non-emergent medical care; sports physicals; dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and no-cost prescription eye glasses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)
Image by U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Visual Test
Visual Test - Comprehensive Eye exam
Image by Paul Diaconu
Slit Lamp test
Slit Lamp test - Comprehensive Eye exam
Image by Paul Diaconu
Presbyopia
Presbyopia - Visual Test
Image by Tumisu
Eye Exam
Eye Exam
Image by David Mark
Sclera (White of the Eye)
agnesliinnea
Slit Lamp Photo of Eye
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released
Tuberous Sclerosis - What is the prognosis?
National Eye Institute of the NIH
Eye diagram — side view
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Pupil Response
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Low Vision
National Eye Institute
Human Eye
National Eye Institute
Dilated Pupil
Sophie Riches
Eye Drops
Happi Raphael/Wikimedia
Retinography
Ske.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
National Eye Institute
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Eye exam
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
Eye exam
Petty Officer 1st Class Brian A. Goyak, U.S. Navy
Eye Examination
12019
Infant Eye cross section
TheVisualMD
Cornea
www.keratomania.com Eye diagram by Chabacano via Wikimedia Commons
anatomy of the human eye, iris, cornea, pupil
skeeze
3:24
Animation: Dilated Eye Exam
National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
Iris (anatomy)
Shanon
Pupil
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
How is glaucoma detected?
Tonywirthlin at English Wikipedia
Optical Coherence Tomography
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Help protect yourself from getting and spreading Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)
CDC
Dry Eye
Jesse Vislisel, MD and Brice Critser, CRA
Tear Production
National Eye Institute
Eyeglasses on display
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
Extrinsic Eye Muscles
OpenStax
Eye movements elevators
Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist
Treating Amblyopia
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Routine eye exam, rare diagnosis
Courtesy photo
Checking an elderly patient's eyes
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelsey Tucker
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Vision Exam
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Eyeglasses selection
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Eye Exam
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Optometry
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer
Visual Test
Paul Diaconu
Slit Lamp test
Paul Diaconu
Presbyopia
Tumisu
Eye Exam
David Mark
Visual Acuity Test
Visual Acuity Test
Also called: Snellen Test
A visual acuity test is an eye exam that checks the smallest letters you can read on a standardized chart (Snellen chart) or a card held 20 feet (6 meters) away. Visual acuity refers to your ability to recognize the shapes and details of the things you see.
Visual Acuity Test
Also called: Snellen Test
A visual acuity test is an eye exam that checks the smallest letters you can read on a standardized chart (Snellen chart) or a card held 20 feet (6 meters) away. Visual acuity refers to your ability to recognize the shapes and details of the things you see.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
0.02
0.04
0.125
0.32
0.8
Your result is Normal Vision.
US: 20/25 to 20/12 (Metric: 6/7.5 to 6/4)
Visual acuity is expressed as a decimal or a fraction. 1 = US 20/20 or metric 6/6 is considered optimal vision.
The top number refers to the distance you stand from the chart. This is often 20 feet (6 meters).
The bottom number indicates the distance at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you correctly read.
Related conditions
If you aren't sure whether your vision has got worse, you can have your visual acuity (sharpness of sight) tested by an eye specialist. To do this eye test, one of your eyes is covered and you are asked to look at an eye chart with your other eye. The chart may have letters, numbers or C-shapes on it. These get smaller as you go down the chart.
Your visual acuity is measured by determining which of the figures you can still recognize from five meters away. The eye doctor will also check your near vision by holding a card with a similar chart on it at reading distance (about 30 centimeters).
If necessary, this eye test can then be repeated using corrective lenses. Technically speaking, visual acuity is a measure of how well you can see two points as being separate. The closer together the points are, the more difficult this becomes.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0027947/ [accessed on Sep 04, 2018]
Visual acuity test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Sep 04, 2018]
http://www.icoph.org/downloads/visualstandardsreport.pdf [accessed on Sep 04, 2018]
Visual acuity - Wikipedia [accessed on Sep 04, 2018]
Visual Acuity: What is 20/20 Vision? [accessed on Sep 04, 2018]
https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/el/isd/ks/Visual_Acuity_Standards_1.pdf [accessed on Sep 04, 2018]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (24)
Snellen Eye Chart vs Prescription Glasses
Getting things in focus.
Image by David Travis/Unsplash
The Snellen Chart
The Snellen chart for visual acuity presents a limited number of Roman letters in lines of decreasing size. The line with letters that subtend 5 minutes of an arc from 20 feet represents the smallest letters that a person with normal acuity should be able to read at that distance. The different sizes of letters in the other lines represent rough approximations of what a person of normal acuity can read at different distances. For example, the line that represents 20/200 vision would have larger letters so that they are legible to the person with normal acuity at 200 feet.
Image by CNX Openstax
Saccadic Eye Movements
Saccades are rapid, conjugate movements of the eyes to survey a complicated visual stimulus, or to follow a moving visual stimulus. This image represents the shifts in gaze typical of a person studying a face. Notice the concentration of gaze on the major features of the face and the large number of paths traced between the eyes or around the mouth.
Image by CNX Openstax
Pituitary Tumor
The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone within the cranial floor, placing it immediately inferior to the optic chiasm. If the pituitary gland develops a tumor, it can press against the fibers crossing in the chiasm. Those fibers are conveying peripheral visual information to the opposite side of the brain, so the patient will experience “tunnel vision”—meaning that only the central visual field will be perceived.
Image by CNX Openstax
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
If the head is turned in one direction, the coordination of that movement with the fixation of the eyes on a visual stimulus involves a circuit that ties the vestibular sense with the eye movement nuclei through the MLF.
Image by CNX Openstax
Muscles Controlled by the Accessory Nerve
The accessory nerve innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, both of which attach to the head and to the trunk and shoulders. They can act as antagonists in head flexion and extension, and as synergists in lateral flexion toward the shoulder.
Image by CNX Openstax
Human Eye
Detailed Illustration of the cross section of the Human Eye - 1:posterior segment of eyeball 2:ora serrata 3:ciliary muscle 4:ciliary zonules 5:canal of Schlemm 6:pupil 7:anterior chamber 8:cornea 9:iris 10:lens cortex 11:lens nucleus 12:ciliary process 13:conjunctiva 14:inferior oblique muscle 15:inferior rectus muscle 16:medial rectus muscle 17:retinal arteries and veins 18:optic disc19:dura mater 20:central retinal artery 21:central retinal vein 22:optic nerve 23:vorticose vein 24:bulbar sheath 25:macula 26:fovea 27:sclera 28:choroid 29:superior rectus muscle 30:retina
Image by Chabacano
Dilated fundus examination
Diagram of the Eye Before and After Dilated Eye Exam
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Macular
Cross-sectional view in grayscale of right human eye
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
What is Presbyopia?
Image by National Eye Institute, NIH
Age Related Macular degeneration - What are some low vision devices?
A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
The Visual System: How Your Eyes Work
Video by National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
Your Baby - Visual Development - Birth to One Month
Video by movementlesson/YouTube
Bionic Eye Cures Blindness
Video by Seeker/YouTube
Vision Simulation
Video by Light12434/YouTube
What is Vision Impairment? - Vision Awareness Training Part One
Video by ouhnhs/YouTube
Low Vision
Video by EyeSmart — American Academy of Ophthalmology/YouTube
Structure and working of Human Eye
Video by Enliveeducation/YouTube
Visual Acuity Test with Snellen Eye Chart Exam | Cranial Nerve 2 Assessment Nursing
Video by RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
How to Check Your Patient's Visual Acuity
Video by dkcalgary/YouTube
Visual Acuity in 5 min
Video by Nick Smith/YouTube
Testing Your Visual Acuity
Video by University of Rochester/YouTube
Part 2: Visual Acuity Exam
Video by ALiEM Educational Videos/YouTube
Visual Acuity - OPHTHALMOLOGY - Ep 4
Video by UBC Medicine - Educational Media/YouTube
Snellen Eye Chart vs Prescription Glasses
David Travis/Unsplash
The Snellen Chart
CNX Openstax
Saccadic Eye Movements
CNX Openstax
Pituitary Tumor
CNX Openstax
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
CNX Openstax
Muscles Controlled by the Accessory Nerve
CNX Openstax
Human Eye
Chabacano
Dilated fundus examination
National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Macular
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
What is Presbyopia?
National Eye Institute, NIH
Age Related Macular degeneration - What are some low vision devices?
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
2:20
The Visual System: How Your Eyes Work
National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
5:40
Your Baby - Visual Development - Birth to One Month
movementlesson/YouTube
3:13
Bionic Eye Cures Blindness
Seeker/YouTube
2:04
Vision Simulation
Light12434/YouTube
11:26
What is Vision Impairment? - Vision Awareness Training Part One
ouhnhs/YouTube
4:11
Low Vision
EyeSmart — American Academy of Ophthalmology/YouTube
5:16
Structure and working of Human Eye
Enliveeducation/YouTube
2:09
Visual Acuity Test with Snellen Eye Chart Exam | Cranial Nerve 2 Assessment Nursing
RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
12:25
How to Check Your Patient's Visual Acuity
dkcalgary/YouTube
4:58
Visual Acuity in 5 min
Nick Smith/YouTube
2:17
Testing Your Visual Acuity
University of Rochester/YouTube
2:53
Part 2: Visual Acuity Exam
ALiEM Educational Videos/YouTube
2:14
Visual Acuity - OPHTHALMOLOGY - Ep 4
UBC Medicine - Educational Media/YouTube
Visual Field Test
Visual Field Test
Also called: Perimetry, Tangent screen exam, Automated perimetry exam, Goldmann visual field exam, Humphrey visual field exam
A visual field test is an eye examination that can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, pituitary disease, brain tumors or other neurological deficits.
Visual Field Test
Also called: Perimetry, Tangent screen exam, Automated perimetry exam, Goldmann visual field exam, Humphrey visual field exam
A visual field test is an eye examination that can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, pituitary disease, brain tumors or other neurological deficits.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
The peripheral vision is normal.
Related conditions
Your field of vision (or visual field) is what you can see without moving your eye. The test is done using a bowl-shaped instrument known as a perimeter. With your head supported by a chin rest, you focus on a fixed spot at the center of the bowl. Lights flash in the bowl, and may move around or become increasingly brighter. If you see a flash or notice a change, you press a button. The more areas in your field of vision are tested, the more accurate the diagnosis – but the test will then take longer as a result.
Your field of vision is very important as it helps you know what is around you. Because various medical conditions affect the field of vision, perimetry tests are often done if damage to the retina or optic nerve is suspected, or if someone has headaches or dizziness for no known reason. Eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration also lead to changes in the field of vision. Although perimetry tests aren't painful, they can be quite tiring because you have to concentrate for a long time.
Visual field: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Visual field test - Wikipedia [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Visual Field Testing for Glaucoma and Other Eye Problems [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (28)
Macular degeneration - Charles Bonnet syndrome (Visual Hallucinations)
This image shows an eye fundus viewed through a retinal camera, with signs of macular degeneration
Image by Tmhlee
Advanced age-related macular degeneration with fibrosis
Advanced age-related macular degeneration with fibrosis.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Retinal Disparity
Because of the interocular distance, which results in objects of different distances falling on different spots of the two retinae, the brain can extract depth perception from the two-dimensional information of the visual field.
Image by CNX Openstax
Advanced age-related macular degeneration
A fundus photo showing advanced age-related macular degeneration.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
A fundus photo showing.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Perimetry, a visual field test
Image by Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
A medical illustration depicting macular degeneration.
Image by BruceBlaus
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Macular Degeneration Projected Statistics
Image by National Eye Institute
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Age-Related Macular Degeneration information at-a-glance.
Image by NEHEP
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Macular Degeneration
Image by Ralf Roletschek
Human Head Showing Visual Pathway
3D visualization of the visual pathway based on scanned human data. Electrical nerve impulses travel from the eyes to the occipital lobe in the back of the brain via millions of nerves that make up the \"visual pathway.\" The white matter of the brain is made up of millions of nerve extensions (axons) which connect nerve fibers to other nerve fibers, target tissues or organs. In this illustration, bundles of axons in the white matter (colored blue and red) are seen radiating from the eyes to the visual centers of the brain.
Image by TheVisualMD
Topographic Mapping of the Retina onto the Visual Cortex
The visual field projects onto the retina through the lenses and falls on the retinae as an inverted, reversed image. The topography of this image is maintained as the visual information travels through the visual pathway to the cortex.
Image by CNX Openstax
Ventral and Dorsal Visual Streams
From the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe, visual processing continues in two streams—one into the temporal lobe and one into the parietal lobe.
Image by CNX Openstax
Brain Revealing Visual Pathway
3D visualization reconstructed from scanned human data of a superior view of the brain revealing the visual pathway and superior sagittal sinus. Electrical nerve impulses travel from the eyes to the occipital lobe in the back of the brain via millions of nerves fibers that make up the \"visual pathway\".
Image by TheVisualMD
The optic disc, optic cup, and macula of a healthy 24 year old female (healthy rim tissue with a deep cup).
The optic disc, optic cup, and macula of a healthy 24 year old female (healthy rim tissue with a deep cup).
Image by Eric Wiessner
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Muscle and Nerve of Human Eye
3D visualization of the nerves associated with the human eye. Several different nerve types serve the special functions of the structures associated with sight. The optic nerves are paired bundles of fibers that send visual signals from the retina to the brain. The oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves control voluntary movements of the eye muscles and eyelids in addition to controlling pupil dilation and lens focusing.
Image by TheVisualMD
Macula of Retina
Instead of getting those crazy eye drops to dilate your eyes so the doctor can look at your retina, they just take a high-resolution digital picture. Much faster and easier. And they keep them on record so they can compare photos from year to year and better diagnose potential problems. The bright spot in the middle is the optic nerve (the blind spot); the darker spot next to the optic nerve is the macula, a small crater in the retina with a higher density of rods and cones, making it the best seeing portion of the eye.
Image by derivative work: Chmee2 (talk) Left_Retina.jpg: Hey Paul
Retina
This image schematically represents optic pathways from each of the 4 quadrants of view for both eyes simultaneously.
Image by Original uploader was Ratznium at en.wikipedia
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
Connections between the vestibular system and the cranial nerves controlling eye movement keep the eyes centered on a visual stimulus, even though the head is moving. During head movement, the eye muscles move the eyes in the opposite direction as the head movement, keeping the visual stimulus centered in the field of view.
Image by CNX Openstax
Optic Nerve - A bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that carries visual messages from the retina to the brain.
Optic Nerve - A bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that carries visual messages from the retina to the brain.
Image by TheVisualMD
Partially Sectioned Human Eye Exposing front and back of the eye including the Retina
Three-dimensional visualization reconstructed from human data. Anteriolateral view of a partially sectioned eye, as well as associated eye muscles. As well as being protected by the bony orbital cavity of the skull, the eyeball is anchored in place by several thin strap muscles that attach to virtually every one of its sides except the front. These muscles tug in concert, allowing the eye to move in any direction to track objects. The clear cornea covers and protects the front exterior of the eye while the colored iris dilates and constricts to insure the proper amount of light is striking the back of the eye. The lens contorts to focus the incoming light back to the retina, which covers roughly the entire back half of the eye. Special cells embedded within the retina are responsible for the sensation of light: the cones, for color perception, and rods, for black and white perception. Electrical nerve impulses are channeled into the optic nerve at the back of the eye to the visual cortex in the brain.
Image by TheVisualMD
Human Eye
Detailed Illustration of the Anatomy of the Human Eye
Image by A Hoofring ncbi/nlm/nih
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
If the head is turned in one direction, the coordination of that movement with the fixation of the eyes on a visual stimulus involves a circuit that ties the vestibular sense with the eye movement nuclei through the MLF.
Image by CNX Openstax
Visual Neural Pathways and Visual Field Defects
Video by PhysioPathoPharmaco/YouTube
Visual field processing | Processing the Environment | MCAT | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
How to Take a Visual Field Examination? - Sheryl S. Wizov, COA
Video by WillsEye GlaucomaApp/YouTube
Visual Pathway and Lesions
Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
What is Glaucoma? Explained using Animation.
Video by Devin Prabhakar/YouTube
Macular degeneration - Charles Bonnet syndrome (Visual Hallucinations)
Tmhlee
Advanced age-related macular degeneration with fibrosis
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Retinal Disparity
CNX Openstax
Advanced age-related macular degeneration
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Perimetry, a visual field test
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
BruceBlaus
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
National Eye Institute
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
NEHEP
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Ralf Roletschek
Human Head Showing Visual Pathway
TheVisualMD
Topographic Mapping of the Retina onto the Visual Cortex
CNX Openstax
Ventral and Dorsal Visual Streams
CNX Openstax
Brain Revealing Visual Pathway
TheVisualMD
The optic disc, optic cup, and macula of a healthy 24 year old female (healthy rim tissue with a deep cup).
Eric Wiessner
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Muscle and Nerve of Human Eye
TheVisualMD
Macula of Retina
derivative work: Chmee2 (talk) Left_Retina.jpg: Hey Paul
Retina
Original uploader was Ratznium at en.wikipedia
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
CNX Openstax
Optic Nerve - A bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that carries visual messages from the retina to the brain.
TheVisualMD
Partially Sectioned Human Eye Exposing front and back of the eye including the Retina
TheVisualMD
Human Eye
A Hoofring ncbi/nlm/nih
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
CNX Openstax
5:29
Visual Neural Pathways and Visual Field Defects
PhysioPathoPharmaco/YouTube
4:10
Visual field processing | Processing the Environment | MCAT | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
4:00
How to Take a Visual Field Examination? - Sheryl S. Wizov, COA
WillsEye GlaucomaApp/YouTube
6:12
Visual Pathway and Lesions
Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
1:10
What is Glaucoma? Explained using Animation.
Devin Prabhakar/YouTube
Color Vision Testing
Color Vision Testing
Also called: Color Blindness Test, Color Perception Test, Ishihara Color Test
Eye care professionals use a variety of tests to diagnose color blindness. These tests can quickly diagnose specific types of color blindness. People with color blindness aren’t aware of differences among colors that are obvious to the rest of us.
Color Vision Testing
Also called: Color Blindness Test, Color Perception Test, Ishihara Color Test
Eye care professionals use a variety of tests to diagnose color blindness. These tests can quickly diagnose specific types of color blindness. People with color blindness aren’t aware of differences among colors that are obvious to the rest of us.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
You should be able to distinguish between all colors.
Related conditions
Most of us share a common color vision sensory experience. Some people, however, have a color vision deficiency, which means their perception of colors is different from what most of us see. The most severe forms of these deficiencies are referred to as color blindness. People with color blindness aren’t aware of differences among colors that are obvious to the rest of us. People who don’t have the more severe types of color blindness may not even be aware of their condition unless they’re tested in a clinic or laboratory.
Inherited color blindness is caused by abnormal photopigments. These color-detecting molecules are located in cone-shaped cells within the retina, called cone cells. In humans, several genes are needed for the body to make photopigments, and defects in these genes can lead to color blindness.
There are three main kinds of color blindness, based on photopigment defects in the three different kinds of cones that respond to blue, green, and red light. Red-green color blindness is the most common, followed by blue-yellow color blindness. A complete absence of color vision —total color blindness – is rare.
Eye care professionals use a variety of tests to diagnose color blindness. These tests can quickly diagnose specific types of color blindness.
The Ishihara Color Test is the most common test for red-green color blindness. The test consists of a series of colored circles, called Ishihara plates, each of which contains a collection of dots in different colors and sizes. Within the circle are dots that form a shape clearly visible to those with normal color vision, but invisible or difficult to see for those with red-green color blindness.
The newer Cambridge Color Test uses a visual array similar to the Ishihara plates, except displayed on a computer monitor. The goal is to identify a C shape that is different in color from the background. The “C” is presented randomly in one of four orientations. When test-takers see the “C,” they are asked to press one of four keys that correspond to the orientation.
The anomaloscope uses a test in which two different light sources have to be matched in color. Looking through the eyepiece, the viewer sees a circle. The upper half is a yellow light that can be adjusted in brightness. The lower half is a combination of red and green lights that can be mixed in variable proportions. The viewer uses one knob to adjust the brightness of the top half, and another to adjust the color of the lower half. The goal is to make the upper and lower halves the same brightness and color.
The HRR Pseudoisochromatic Color Test is another red-green color blindness test that uses color plates to test for color blindness.
The Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test uses a set of blocks or pegs that are roughly the same color but in different hues (shades of the color). The goal is to arrange them in a line in order of hue. This test measures the ability to discriminate subtle color changes. It is used by industries that depend on the accurate color perception of its employees, such as graphic design, photography, and food quality inspection.
The Farnsworth Lantern Test is used by the U.S. military to determine the severity of color blindness. Those with mild forms pass the test and are allowed to serve in the armed forces.
The most common types of color blindness are inherited. They are the result of defects in the genes that contain the instructions for making the photopigments found in cones. Some defects alter the photopigment’s sensitivity to color, for example, it might be slightly more sensitive to deeper red and less sensitive to green. Other defects can result in the total loss of a photopigment. Depending on the type of defect and the cone that is affected problems can arise with red, green, or blue color vision.
Red-green color blindness
The most common types of hereditary color blindness are due to the loss or limited function of red cone (known as protan) or green cone (deutran) photopigments. This kind of color blindness is commonly referred to as red-green color blindness.
Protanomaly: In males with protanomaly, the red cone photopigment is abnormal. Red, orange, and yellow appear greener and colors are not as bright. This condition is mild and doesn’t usually interfere with daily living. Protanomaly is an X-linked disorder estimated to affect 1 percent of males.
Protanopia: In males with protanopia, there are no working red cone cells. Red appears as black. Certain shades of orange, yellow, and green all appear as yellow. Protanopia is an X-linked disorder that is estimated to affect 1 percent of males.
Deuteranomaly: In males with deuteranomaly, the green cone photopigment is abnormal. Yellow and green appear redder and it is difficult to tell violet from blue. This condition is mild and doesn’t interfere with daily living. Deuteranomaly is the most common form of color blindness and is an X-linked disorder affecting 5 percent of males.
Deuteranopia: In males with deuteranopia, there are no working green cone cells. They tend to see reds as brownish-yellow and greens as beige. Deuteranopia is an X-linked disorder that affects about 1 percent of males.
Blue-yellow color blindness
Blue-yellow color blindness is rarer than red-green color blindness. Blue-cone (tritan) photopigments are either missing or have limited function.
Tritanomaly: People with tritanomaly have functionally limited blue cone cells. Blue appears greener and it can be difficult to tell yellow and red from pink. Tritanomaly is extremely rare. It is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting males and females equally.
Tritanopia: People with tritanopia, also known as blue-yellow color blindness, lack blue cone cells. Blue appears green and yellow appears violet or light grey. Tritanopia is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting males and females equally.
Complete color blindness
People with complete color blindness (monochromacy) don’t experience color at all and the clearness of their vision (visual acuity) may also be affected.
There are two types of monochromacy:
Cone monochromacy: This rare form of color blindness results from a failure of two of the three cone cell photopigments to work. There is red cone monochromacy, green cone monochromacy, and blue cone monochromacy. People with cone monochromacy have trouble distinguishing colors because the brain needs to compare the signals from different types of cones in order to see color. When only one type of cone works, this comparison isn’t possible. People with blue cone monochromacy, may also have reduced visual acuity, near-sightedness, and uncontrollable eye movements, a condition known as nystagmus. Cone monochromacy is an autosomal recessive disorder.
Rod monochromacy or achromatopsia: This type of monochromacy is rare and is the most severe form of color blindness. It is present at birth. None of the cone cells have functional photopigments. Lacking all cone vision, people with rod monochromacy see the world in black, white, and gray. And since rods respond to dim light, people with rod monochromacy tend to be photophobic – very uncomfortable in bright environments. They also experience nystagmus. Rod monochromacy is an autosomal recessive disorder.
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (19)
What It's Like To Be Color Blind
Video by BuzzFeed Multiplayer/YouTube
Colorblind - A Colorful Guide to Colorblindness (infographic) V1
Video by gleiberkid/YouTube
How Many Colors Can We See?
Video by SciShow/YouTube
This Is What Color Blind People See With These Viral Glasses
Video by Tech Insider/YouTube
Chromosome X&Y (23) - Colour Blindness
Video by The Royal Institution/YouTube
How Vision Tests Work | Living Healthy Chicago
Video by LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
Colorblindness
An Ishihara test image as seen by subjects with normal color vision and by those with a variety of color deficiencies.
Image by Eddau processed File:Ishihara 2.svg by User:Sakurambo,
Ishihara Plate 9
Ishihara Plate 9
Image by Unknown
Tritanopia color-blind
How tritanopia color-blind people see the world.
Image by Tohaomg
Cone Cells
Illustration of Cone cell structure in the retina
Image by Ivo Kruusamagi
Rod Cells
Illustration of Rod cell structure in the retina
Image by Madhero88
Rod Cells
Cross section of the retina. Rods are visible at far right.
Image by Cajal , Anka Friedrich (talk) , vectorisation by chris
Cone Cells
Seeing red. A. Light from the sun hits the apple. Some wavelengths are blocked by the chemicals in the apple's skin. B. Reflected wavelengths pass through the pupil and excite the cone cells at the back of the eye. C. The cones send a coded message to the brain about the wavelengths entering the eye. In this example, the L-cones are very excited, the M-cones are a little bit excited and the S cones are hardly excited at all. The brain translates this code into a sensation of "red".
Image by Wade A and Benjamin A
Ishihara Plate for testing on Deuteranopia
Ishihara Plate for testing on Deuteranopia. Test for color blindness.
Image by Dan-yell / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ishihara-Test.svg
Ishihara 3
Ishihara colourblindness test No 3
Image by en:Shinobu Ishihara (died January 3, 1963)/Wikimedia
Ishihara 1
Ishihara Plate No. 1 (Number 12). Used to for the en:Ishihata test of color blindness.
Image by Nicoguaro/Wikimedia
Rough gray and white representation of a test chart so that people with complete color blindness can also get an impression of the test.
Image by Barbarossa at Dutch Wikipedia/Wikimedia
Ishihara 19
Image by /Wikimedia
Red-green colour blindness, do you have it?
Video by Demystifying Medicine/YouTube
2:38
What It's Like To Be Color Blind
BuzzFeed Multiplayer/YouTube
2:47
Colorblind - A Colorful Guide to Colorblindness (infographic) V1
gleiberkid/YouTube
2:35
How Many Colors Can We See?
SciShow/YouTube
3:43
This Is What Color Blind People See With These Viral Glasses
Tech Insider/YouTube
2:23
Chromosome X&Y (23) - Colour Blindness
The Royal Institution/YouTube
3:32
How Vision Tests Work | Living Healthy Chicago
LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
Colorblindness
Eddau processed File:Ishihara 2.svg by User:Sakurambo,
Ishihara Plate 9
Unknown
Tritanopia color-blind
Tohaomg
Cone Cells
Ivo Kruusamagi
Rod Cells
Madhero88
Rod Cells
Cajal , Anka Friedrich (talk) , vectorisation by chris
en:Shinobu Ishihara (died January 3, 1963)/Wikimedia
Ishihara 1
Nicoguaro/Wikimedia
Rough gray and white representation of a test chart so that people with complete color blindness can also get an impression of the test.
Barbarossa at Dutch Wikipedia/Wikimedia
Ishihara 19
/Wikimedia
6:29
Red-green colour blindness, do you have it?
Demystifying Medicine/YouTube
Eye Pressure Test
Eye Pressure Test
Also called: Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurement, Tonometry
Eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), is a measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye. Measuring it is like measuring blood pressure using a method called tonometry. Having eye pressure that’s too low or too high can damage your vision.
Eye Pressure Test
Also called: Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurement, Tonometry
Eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), is a measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye. Measuring it is like measuring blood pressure using a method called tonometry. Having eye pressure that’s too low or too high can damage your vision.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
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mm Hg
10
21
Your result is Normal.
A normal result means your eye pressure is within the normal range. However, the thickness of your cornea can affect measurements. A corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) is needed to get a correct pressure measurement.
Related conditions
The measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry) is one of the most common eye examinations. The pressure inside the eyeball becomes too high if a fluid produced in the eye (called aqueous humor) cannot drain properly and starts to build up. An intraocular pressure of between 10 and 21 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered to be normal in adults.
Various instruments can be used to measure the pressure in the eye. In what is known as applanation tonometry, the cornea is first numbed using eye drops. Then a small measuring device is placed against the surface of the cornea, putting a little pressure on the eye.
The device measures how much pressure is needed to flatten the cornea by 3 millimeters. This is a measure of the pressure inside the eye.
Intraocular pressure can also be measured using an approach known as non-contact tonometry. Here the pressure is measured by applying a short puff of air to the cornea. Neither of these examinations are painful.
Tonometry: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Eye Pressure Testing - American Academy of Ophthalmology [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
What is low eye pressure and does it cause any damage to your eyes? - American Academy of Ophthalmology [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Five Common Glaucoma Tests | Glaucoma Research Foundation [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
High Eye Pressure and Glaucoma | Glaucoma Research Foundation [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Tonometry: Purpose, Procedure, and Results [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
IOP and Tonometry - EyeWiki [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Tonometry [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Intraocular pressure - Wikipedia [accessed on Oct 03, 2018]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (6)
Ocular tonometry
Goldmann mires : Semicircles seen during Goldmann tonometry through slit lamp
Image by Manimury
Ocular tonometry
The PASCAL Dynamic Contour Tonometer
Image by Tonywirthlin at English Wikipedia
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
Connections between the vestibular system and the cranial nerves controlling eye movement keep the eyes centered on a visual stimulus, even though the head is moving. During head movement, the eye muscles move the eyes in the opposite direction as the head movement, keeping the visual stimulus centered in the field of view.
Image by CNX Openstax
Neuro-ocular syphilis
This funduscopic image reveals the effects of late neuro-ocular syphilis on the optic disk and retina. Note the typical features of neuro-ocular syphilis, which includes severe optic nerve atrophy, and chorioretinitis, or inflammation of the choroidal and neural layers of the retina.
Image by CDC/ Susan Lindsley
SVC Insight - Tonometry
Video by Linda Young/YouTube
Tonometer
A noncontact tonometer scans the eye of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Gallagher, 23d Wing public affairs broadcast journalist, during an optometry appointment Feb. 4, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The tonometer is used to screen for glaucoma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ceaira Tinsley/Released)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ceaira Tinsley/Released
Ocular tonometry
Manimury
Ocular tonometry
Tonywirthlin at English Wikipedia
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex
CNX Openstax
Neuro-ocular syphilis
CDC/ Susan Lindsley
6:01
SVC Insight - Tonometry
Linda Young/YouTube
Tonometer
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ceaira Tinsley/Released
Slit-Lamp Exam
Slit-Lamp Exam
Also called: Biomicroscopy, Slit Lamp Exam, Slit Lamp Test
A slit lamp exam is an eye examination using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light. The instrument may be used to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other parts of the eye.
Slit-Lamp Exam
Also called: Biomicroscopy, Slit Lamp Exam, Slit Lamp Test
A slit lamp exam is an eye examination using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light. The instrument may be used to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other parts of the eye.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal result indicates that the eyelashes, eyelids, and lining of the eyelids (conjunctiva) look normal. All of the structures inside the eye are found to be normal.
Related conditions
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003880.htm [accessed on Feb 15, 2019]
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/slit-lamp-eye-exam [accessed on Feb 15, 2019]
https://www.verywellhealth.com/eye-exam-tests-and-procedures-3421854 [accessed on Feb 15, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (20)
Fleck dystrophy
Fleck corneal dystrophy. Appearance of the cornea by slit-lamp biomicroscopy (left image) and by confocal microscopy (right image) (Courtesy Dr. Charles N. McGhee). Klintworth Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
Image by Klintworth GK
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Slit Lamp Exam
Maj. Ivy Madson, 99th Air Base Squadron optometry flight commander, uses a Slit Lamp to examine the interior of the eye during an exam for Airman 1st Class Hunter, 18th Reconnaissance Squadron Airman, Jan. 13, 2015, at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The Creech Medical Aid Station now offers optometry services to all personnel assigned to Creech AFB Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Last names have been withheld for security purposes). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey/Released)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey/Released
Cystinosis
Slit-lamp photographs of three-year-old patient with nephropathic cystenosis before (left) and after (right) cysteamine eyedrop therapy. Treatment targeting metabolic defect dramatically dissolves painful crystals in the eye's cornea.
Image by NIH Clinical Center Location: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Slit Lamp Photo of Eye
Slit Lamp Photo of Eye
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released
How is a cataract detected?
Slit lamp image of the cornea, iris and lens (showing mild cataract)
Image by Baristoprak~commonswiki
Lisch nodules
Lisch nodules on surface of iris. The patient was a 14-year-old male with pulsating exophthalmos of the left eye and poor vision of this highly myopic left eye. There was also some ptosis of the left eye with mild puffiness. Upward gaze of the left eye was limited. Slit lamp examination showed multiple, slightly raised nodules of the right iris.
Image by National Eye Institute
Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Von Hippel-Lindau Disease : Slit lamp photograph showing retinal detachment in Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Image by National Eye Institute of the NIH
Stress female student studying
Young female in a green shirt, viewed from the back at left, concentrating on work materials at a desk with a lamp lamp. Computer monitor, phone and bulletin board are visible, as are stacks of books and papers. Image supports content about identifying harmful patterns in your life, including work-related stress, so you can plan to replace them with more beneficial patterns
Image by TheVisualMD
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
Slit lamp camera view of Cataract in Human Eye
Image by Rakesh Ahuja, MD
Congenital stromal corneal dystrophy
The cornea is particularly opaque in the anterior stroma by slit-lamp biomicroscopy.
Image by Klintworth GK
Ocular tonometry
Goldmann mires : Semicircles seen during Goldmann tonometry through slit lamp
Image by Manimury
Cystinosis
The patient was a 4 1/2-year-old male who looked about 2 1/2 years old at his first visit. He was admitted to the hospital because of poor growth and polydipsia. The patient was admitted to the hospital in uremia and coma. An examination of the cornea showed the surface and the immediate subepithelial region to be studded with golden-brown, fine scintillating particles, uniformly distributed throughout the entire cornea, but possibly sparing the most peripheral zone ([1]). The stroma appeared to be clear, but the posterior surface of the cornea showed the same type of particles in the lower nasal quadrant, although sparser than was the case on the surface. There were apparently also some crystals in the conjunctiva. The tentative diagnosis was cystinosis or Fanconi's syndrome, but unlike the other cases reported, the crystals appeared to be at the anterior and posterior surfaces and not in the stroma. The patient was seen again at age 8 years old, when he was back in the hospital. The cornea still contained crystals ([2]). The only noteworthy event in the recent history was a nosebleed of 20 hours duration. His non-protein nitrogen was 140 and he appeared very pale, but he was lively and alert. He had a persistent anemia and potassium depletion. Presumably both the anemia and the hemorrhagic diathesis were attributed to uremia. The patient died in the hospital. Noteworthy was the fact that his three siblings all showed clear corneas without crystals. However, the youngest was age three months and when she was examined again at age two years, she had abundant crystals and nephropathic cystinosis.
Image by National Eye Institute
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Royal Australian Navy Lt. Elizabeth Livingstone and Singapore army Maj. Paul Zhao, both doctors embarked aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), perform cataract surgery on a Vietnamese patient aboard Mercy during a Pacific Partnership 2010 visit to Quy Nhon, Vietnam. Pacific Partnership is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors to strengthen regional partnerships.
Image by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eddie Harrison
Sensitive content
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Fundoscopic (Ophthalmoscopic) Exam
Dr. (Maj.) Michael Bogaard, 509th Medical Operations Squadron optometrist, uses a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope to perform an eye assessment on Senior Airman Jeffrey Afemon, 509th MDOS public health technician, in the optometry clinic at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Sept. 4, 2013. The ophthalmoscope helps focus the light inside the patient’s eye and provides an image that the doctor uses to judge the health of the retina.
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released
Slit lamp photograph showing c in Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Slit lamp photograph showing retinal detachment in Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Image by National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health
Neurofibromatosis type 1(>90% of cases) together with scattered café au lait pigmented skin lesions and multiple neurifibromas (superficial or deep) in skin or other organs.
Lisch nodules are numerous nodules of dendritic melanocytes in aggregates within the iris. They are brown-yellow, round shape, raised papules as seen with slit lamp examination in the iris of patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1(>90% of cases) together with scattered café au lait pigmented skin lesions and multiple neurifibromas (superficial or deep) in skin or other organs. Similar nodules are also found in Watson syndrome which is in addition characterized by macrocephaly, pulmonary stenosis, short status and low intelligence. No treatment is required but a close follow-up of main diseases is mandatory for avoiding any serious complications.
Image by Dimitrios Malamos
Ocular tonometry
The PASCAL Dynamic Contour Tonometer
Image by Tonywirthlin at English Wikipedia
Slit Lamp Exam and Techniques
Video by iSEE/YouTube
Slit Lamp Examination (Biomicroscopy) in English
Video by TheIACLE/YouTube
Slit Lamp Exam
Video by Brian Nelson/YouTube
Fleck dystrophy
Klintworth GK
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This media may include sensitive content
Slit Lamp Exam
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey/Released
Cystinosis
NIH Clinical Center Location: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Slit Lamp Photo of Eye
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released
How is a cataract detected?
Baristoprak~commonswiki
Lisch nodules
National Eye Institute
Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
National Eye Institute of the NIH
Stress female student studying
TheVisualMD
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
Rakesh Ahuja, MD
Congenital stromal corneal dystrophy
Klintworth GK
Ocular tonometry
Manimury
Cystinosis
National Eye Institute
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eddie Harrison
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Fundoscopic (Ophthalmoscopic) Exam
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released
Slit lamp photograph showing c in Von Hippel-Lindau disease
National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health
Neurofibromatosis type 1(>90% of cases) together with scattered café au lait pigmented skin lesions and multiple neurifibromas (superficial or deep) in skin or other organs.
Dimitrios Malamos
Ocular tonometry
Tonywirthlin at English Wikipedia
4:58
Slit Lamp Exam and Techniques
iSEE/YouTube
13:20
Slit Lamp Examination (Biomicroscopy) in English
TheIACLE/YouTube
7:10
Slit Lamp Exam
Brian Nelson/YouTube
Schirmer Test
Schirmer Test
Also called: Basal Secretion Test, Dry Eye Test, Tearing Test
A Schirmer test tells your eye doctor how quickly your eyes make tears. Your eye doctor will put a small piece of paper on the edge of your eyelid and see how long it takes for your body to make tears.
Schirmer Test
Also called: Basal Secretion Test, Dry Eye Test, Tearing Test
A Schirmer test tells your eye doctor how quickly your eyes make tears. Your eye doctor will put a small piece of paper on the edge of your eyelid and see how long it takes for your body to make tears.
{"label":"Schirmer test reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.1,"hideunits":false,"items":[{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"S","long":"Severe","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":5},"text":"Wetting of less than 5 mm is indicative of deficient tear production, but is not necessarily diagnostic of Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome.","conditions":["Dry eye","Aging","Blepharitis","Climate change","Corneal ulcer","Corneal infection","Eye infection","Laser vision correction (LASIK)","Leukemia","Lymphoma","Rheumatoid arthritis","Sj\u00f6gren syndrome","Vitamin A deficiency"]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"M","long":"Moderate","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":5,"max":10},"text":"Less than 10 mm of moisture indicates you probable have dry eye syndrome.","conditions":["Dry eye","Aging","Blepharitis","Climate change","Corneal ulcer","Corneal infection","Eye infection","Laser vision correction (LASIK)","Leukemia","Lymphoma","Rheumatoid arthritis","Sj\u00f6gren syndrome","Vitamin A deficiency"]},{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"N","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":10,"max":15},"text":"More than 10 mm of moisture on the filter paper after 5 minutes is a sign of normal tear production. Both eyes normally release the same amount of tears.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"H","long":"High","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":15,"max":30},"text":"If your eyes produce more than 10 to 15 mm of moisture, further tests may also be required to determine the cause of your watery eyes.","conditions":["Watery eyes"]}],"units":[{"printSymbol":"mm","code":"mm","name":"millimeter"}],"value":12.5,"disclaimer":"Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are \"within normal limits.\""}[{"abnormal":1},{"abnormal":0},{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
mm
5
10
15
Your result is Normal.
More than 10 mm of moisture on the filter paper after 5 minutes is a sign of normal tear production. Both eyes normally release the same amount of tears.
Related conditions
https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye/testing-dry-eye [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003501.htm [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315974.php [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://www.hopkinssjogrens.org/disease-information/diagnosis-sjogrens-syndrome/schirmers-test/ [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://www.healthline.com/health/schirmers-test#results [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schirmer%27s_test [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
Tear Break-Up Time Test
Tear Break-Up Time Test
Also called: TBUT
A tear break-up time (TBUT) test checks how long your tear film (layer of tears on your eyes) lasts after you blink. If your tear film does not last long, you may have dry eye.
Tear Break-Up Time Test
Also called: TBUT
A tear break-up time (TBUT) test checks how long your tear film (layer of tears on your eyes) lasts after you blink. If your tear film does not last long, you may have dry eye.
{"label":"Tear Break-Up Time Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.1,"hideunits":false,"units":[{"printSymbol":"s","code":"s","name":"second - time"}],"items":[{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Low","long":"Low","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":5},"text":"A short tear break-up time is a sign of a poor tear film and the longer it takes the more stable the tear film.","conditions":["Dry eye"]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Marginal","long":"Marginal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":5,"max":10},"text":"A short tear break-up time is a sign of a poor tear film and the longer it takes the more stable the tear film.","conditions":["Dry eye"]},{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":10,"max":15},"text":"Tear film break-up time (TBUT) is a method for determining the stability of the tear film and checking evaporative dry eye. Generally, >10 seconds is thought to be normal. ","conditions":[]}],"value":12.5}[{"abnormal":1},{"abnormal":0},{"normal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
s
5
10
Your result is Normal.
Tear film break-up time (TBUT) is a method for determining the stability of the tear film and checking evaporative dry eye. Generally, >10 seconds is thought to be normal.
Related conditions
https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye/testing-dry-eye [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000426.htm [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570579/ [accessed on Sep 15, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Ophthalmoscopy
Ophthalmoscopy
Also called: Funduscopy, Retinal Examination
Ophthalmoscopy is an exam that uses a magnifying lens and a light to check the fundus of the eye (back of the inside of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve). Ophthalmoscopy may be used to check for eye problems, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye cancer, optic nerve problems, or eye injury.
Ophthalmoscopy
Also called: Funduscopy, Retinal Examination
Ophthalmoscopy is an exam that uses a magnifying lens and a light to check the fundus of the eye (back of the inside of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve). Ophthalmoscopy may be used to check for eye problems, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye cancer, optic nerve problems, or eye injury.
{"label":"Ophthalmoscopy Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"The retina, blood vessels, and the optic disc appear normal.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"Abnormal results may be seen on ophthalmoscopy with a variety of conditions.","conditions":["CMV retinitis","Diabetes","Glaucoma","High blood pressure","Loss of sharp vision due to macular degeneration","Melanoma of the eye","Optic nerve problems","Retinal tear or retinal detachment"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
The retina, blood vessels, and the optic disc appear normal.
Related conditions
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003881.htm [accessed on Feb 15, 2019]
https://www.verywellhealth.com/eye-exam-tests-and-procedures-3421854 [accessed on Feb 15, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (50)
ophthalmoscopy video
Video by CHECT UK/YouTube
Approach to Fundoscopy / Ophthalmoscopy
Video by Stanford Medicine 25/YouTube
Veterinary Medicine
"GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba %u2013 Army Sgt. Ardicio Galvao, an animal care non-commissioned officer at the Guantanamo Bay Veterinary Treatment Facility, performs an eye examination on a kitten up for adoption.
Image by The National Guard
Retinoblastoma - Treatment Option Overview
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rapidly developing cancer that develops from the immature cells of aretina, the light-detecting tissue of the eye and is the most common malignant tumor of the eye in children.
Image by Tero Kivela
ophtalmogram of the retina, optic nerve, fovea and macula. The spot to the left (temporal side) of the centre is the macula.
Self made ophtalmogram of the retina of the right eye. It shows the optic disc as a bright area on the right (nasal side) where blood vessels converge. The spot to the left (temporal side) of the centre is the macula. The grey, more diffuse spot in the centre is a shadow artifact.
Image by Ske.
Diabetic retinopathy - Diabetic Eye Disease NIDDK
Proliferative retinopathy Description: Proliferative retinopathy, an advanced form of diabetic retinopathy, occurs when abnormal new blood vessels and scar tissue form on the surface of the retina.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Retinitis
Fundus, photograph-CMV retinitis
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Age Related Macular degeneration - How is AMD detected?
Description: A fundus photo showing intermediate age-related macular degeneration.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Fluorescein angiography
Fluorescein retinography of a 33 years old patient (right eye), showing the optical disc at the inferior right quadrant and the macula lutea at the inferior left quadrant (darker spot). No anomalies detected.
Image by Mekhahertz
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Macular Degeneration
Image by Ralf Roletschek
Retinoblastoma - Treatment Option Overview
Ocular fundus aspect of retinoblastoma
Image by Aerts, I, Lumbroso-Le Rouic, L, Marion Gauthier-Villars, M, Brisse, H, Doz, F, Desjardins, L. Retinoblastoma.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis
Fundus photograph of CMV retinitis
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Macular degeneration - Charles Bonnet syndrome (Visual Hallucinations)
This image shows an eye fundus viewed through a retinal camera, with signs of macular degeneration
Image by Tmhlee
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Retinal image of a left eye via Optos Optomap.
Image by Modified by Overand - Original by Judgesurreal777
In background retinopathy, a slight deterioration in the small blood vessels of the retina, portions of the vessels may swell and leak fluid into the surrounding retinal tissue.
Retinopathy in fundus of eye
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Optic Nerve
Healthy optic nerve
Image by Esteve.olm
Leber Congenital Amaurosis
Retina Photo of LCA : Retina photo of a patient with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), an inherited retinal disease that causes severe visual impairment early in childhood. Special gene testing is necessary to determine if the patient has the RPE65-associated type of the disease.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (Small Animation)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Image by National Eye Institute/NIH
central retinal artery
Image by self
Drusen
Drusen in Optical Coherence Tomography
Image by Ipoliker
Chloroquine retinopathy
Chloroquine retinopathy in the left eye of a 55-year-old woman who had taken chloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis for more than 4 years, with an estimated total dose of 365 gr (250 mg daily). She first presented with a history of gradually decreasing visual acuity without any other symptoms approximately two years earlier. The latest examination revealed that her visual acuity was 30/200 right eye and 60/200 left eye. Left image shows typical bull's eye sign and right image is the fluorescien angiogram of the same eye showing increased fluorescence in the macular area and round-shaped blocked fluorescence in the central fovea.
Image by Doctors:Xiaoyun Ma, Liang Yan, Linping He Dongyi He, Hao Lu from Shanghai, China
Cone dystrophy
Fundus of cone rod dystrophy : Fundus of a 34 year-old patient with cone rod dystrophy due to Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7). Note that the macular area, and also the mid periphery, are atrophic.
Image by Christian P Hamel
Bardet-Biedl syndrome
Bardet-Biedl syndrome : Fundus of a 31 year-old patient with Bardet Biedl syndrome. The peripheral retina does not show any large lesion but the macula is atrophic.
Image by Beales PL, Elcioglu N, Woolf AS, Parker D, Flinter FA
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fundus photo showing scatter laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Central retinal vein occlusion
Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) Color fundus photograph of the left eye shows occlusion of the superotemporal branch of retinal vein resulting in intraretinal hemorrhages and retinal exudates in the corresponding sector of retina.
Image by Kim Baxter, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wellcome Images
Infant Eye cross section
Cross-section of the healthy eye of an infant, showing a retina that is in perfect condition, having never been exposed to smoke-borne toxins that would compromise circulation and result in retinal damage. Image supports content showing the health benefits of smoke cessation.
Image by TheVisualMD
Chorioretinitis
Chorioretinitis AIDS : Photograph taken of the back of the eye of an AIDS patient with chorioretinitis, which is an inflammation of the retina and choroid (thin pigmented vascular coat of the eye).
Image by NCI
Drusen
Macular Soft Drusen : Fundus image of macular soft Drusen in the right eye of a 70 year old male
Image by Ipoliker
Ocular larva migrans granuloma via toxocara canis infection from newborn puppies
Ocular larva migrans granuloma via toxocara canis infection from newborn puppies
Image by enableuser
Smoking and the eye
The effects of cigarette smoke have been associated with many ailments, including two sight-threatening eye conditions. Left, an eye that shows signs of macular degeneration. The yellow or off-white deposits, called drusen, that form beneath the retinal layer are a common sign that macular degeneration is in progress. Right, an eye with a cataract. The lens of the eye is usually crystal clear to allow unobstructed vision. Cataract also means \"waterfall.\" Doctors have likened the difficulty of seeing through a lens with a cataract to trying to see clearly through a rushing waterfall.
Image by TheVisualMD
Tuberous Sclerosis - What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with TSC is highly variable and depends on the severity of symptoms. Those individuals with mild symptoms usually do well and have a normal life expectancy, while paying attention to TSC-specific issues. Individuals who are severely affected can suffer from severe mental retardation and persistent epilepsy.
Image by National Eye Institute of the NIH
Retinitis pigmentosa
Fundus of patient with retinitis pigmentosa, end stage: Fundus of patient with retinitis pigmentosa, end stage (Pigment deposits are present all over the retina. Retinal vessels are very thin and optic disc is pale.
Image by Christian Hamel
Retinopathy - Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts. Exudative retinopathy and vitreos hemorrhage: A fundus photograph of a child with cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts, in which red vitreous bleeding and yellowish lipid under a detached retina are seen.
Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts. Exudative retinopathy and vitreos hemorrhage: A fundus photograph of a child with cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts from a mutation in the CTC1 gene, in which red vitreous bleeding and yellowish lipid under a detached retina are seen.
Image by Tero Kivela, MD, FEBO
Left, an eye that shows signs of macular degeneration. Right, an eye with a cataract.
This image features two sight-threatening eye conditions. Left, an eye that shows signs of macular degeneration. The yellow or off-white deposits, called drusen, that form beneath the retinal layer are a common sign that macular degeneration is in progress. Right, an eye with a cataract. The lens of the eye is usually crystal clear to allow unobstructed vision. Cataract also means \"waterfall.\" Doctors have likened the difficulty of seeing through a lens with a cataract to trying to see clearly through a rushing waterfall.
Image by TheVisualMD
Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Retinal photograph of ocular histoplasmosis
Image by Wickedthought
Neuro-ocular syphilis
This funduscopic image reveals the effects of late neuro-ocular syphilis on the optic disk and retina. Note the typical features of neuro-ocular syphilis, which includes severe optic nerve atrophy, and chorioretinitis, or inflammation of the choroidal and neural layers of the retina.
Image by CDC/ Susan Lindsley
Fundus Photography
An eye care professional takes fundus autofluorescence photographs to study the retina.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Complications of diabetes mellitus
Diabetes and Small Vessel Disease : High levels of blood glucose damage the smallest vessels in your body, the capillaries, just as they do the larger vessels. One cause of this damage may be the high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that glucose creates inside capillary cells.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cross-section of retina, close-up of the photoreceptors
DHA and vision
Image by TheVisualMD
Eye with Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye with cross section revealing diabetic retinopathy; the damaged retina due to diabetes. The visible damaged includes yellow patches of fatty deposits and tiny dark dots, or microaneurysms.
Image by TheVisualMD
DiabeticRetinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
Image by Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014
Macula of Retina
photograph of the retina of the human eye, with overlay diagrams showing the positions and sizes of the macula, fovea, and optic disc
Image by National Eye Institute of the NIH
Partially Sectioned Human Eye Exposing front and back of the eye including the Retina
Three-dimensional visualization reconstructed from human data. Anteriolateral view of a partially sectioned eye, as well as associated eye muscles. As well as being protected by the bony orbital cavity of the skull, the eyeball is anchored in place by several thin strap muscles that attach to virtually every one of its sides except the front. These muscles tug in concert, allowing the eye to move in any direction to track objects. The clear cornea covers and protects the front exterior of the eye while the colored iris dilates and constricts to insure the proper amount of light is striking the back of the eye. The lens contorts to focus the incoming light back to the retina, which covers roughly the entire back half of the eye. Special cells embedded within the retina are responsible for the sensation of light: the cones, for color perception, and rods, for black and white perception. Electrical nerve impulses are channeled into the optic nerve at the back of the eye to the visual cortex in the brain.
Image by TheVisualMD
Month 1
A newborn sleeps 12-20 hours per day, but don't let that fool you: your baby will go through enormous transformations in his first month. Your womb was safe, warm, dark, and quiet. Now your baby has to adapt to the outside world, full of bright lights, noises, and unfamiliar sensations.
Image by TheVisualMD
Retina close-up
A picture of a patient’s retina is displayed at the optometry clinic March 11, 2016, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The clinic is the only one in Montana that has a retinal imagining device called an Optos, used to look at the retina without diluting it. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
Macula of Retina
Animation of Optic cup and macula - 3D motion parallax -The optic cup and macula of a healthy 24 year old female. Image is released to wikimedia commons with patient consent. GIF displays a three dimensional view of the cup via motion parallax. Imaged with a non-mydriatic fundus camera at Pacific University College of Optometry.
Image by Eric Wiessner
Fundus photo showing focal laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy
Fundus photo showing focal laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Eye with Diabetic Retinopathy
Image showing diabetic retinopathy , a condition caused by diabetes and affects the capillaries of the retina causing eventual blindness unless treated.
Image by TheVisualMD
Retina showing reticular pseudodrusen - early age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
A new clinical study led by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, will follow 500 people over five years to learn more about the natural history of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By using the latest technologies to visualize structures within the eye and measure their function, researchers hope to identify biomarkers of disease progression, well before it advances to late-stage disease and causes vision loss. AMD is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among people age 50 and older in the United States.
Image by NIH Image Gallery
Hypotrichosis with juvenile macula dystrophy
ophthalmoscopy left eye of a 5-year-old boy with HJMD
Image by BazokaSmurf
9:33
ophthalmoscopy video
CHECT UK/YouTube
8:56
Approach to Fundoscopy / Ophthalmoscopy
Stanford Medicine 25/YouTube
Veterinary Medicine
The National Guard
Retinoblastoma - Treatment Option Overview
Tero Kivela
ophtalmogram of the retina, optic nerve, fovea and macula. The spot to the left (temporal side) of the centre is the macula.
Ske.
Diabetic retinopathy - Diabetic Eye Disease NIDDK
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Retinitis
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Age Related Macular degeneration - How is AMD detected?
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Fluorescein angiography
Mekhahertz
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Overview
Ralf Roletschek
Retinoblastoma - Treatment Option Overview
Aerts, I, Lumbroso-Le Rouic, L, Marion Gauthier-Villars, M, Brisse, H, Doz, F, Desjardins, L. Retinoblastoma.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Macular degeneration - Charles Bonnet syndrome (Visual Hallucinations)
Tmhlee
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Modified by Overand - Original by Judgesurreal777
In background retinopathy, a slight deterioration in the small blood vessels of the retina, portions of the vessels may swell and leak fluid into the surrounding retinal tissue.
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Optic Nerve
Esteve.olm
Leber Congenital Amaurosis
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (Small Animation)
National Eye Institute/NIH
central retinal artery
self
Drusen
Ipoliker
Chloroquine retinopathy
Doctors:Xiaoyun Ma, Liang Yan, Linping He Dongyi He, Hao Lu from Shanghai, China
Cone dystrophy
Christian P Hamel
Bardet-Biedl syndrome
Beales PL, Elcioglu N, Woolf AS, Parker D, Flinter FA
Diabetic Retinopathy
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Central retinal vein occlusion
Kim Baxter, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wellcome Images
Infant Eye cross section
TheVisualMD
Chorioretinitis
NCI
Drusen
Ipoliker
Ocular larva migrans granuloma via toxocara canis infection from newborn puppies
enableuser
Smoking and the eye
TheVisualMD
Tuberous Sclerosis - What is the prognosis?
National Eye Institute of the NIH
Retinitis pigmentosa
Christian Hamel
Retinopathy - Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts. Exudative retinopathy and vitreos hemorrhage: A fundus photograph of a child with cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts, in which red vitreous bleeding and yellowish lipid under a detached retina are seen.
Tero Kivela, MD, FEBO
Left, an eye that shows signs of macular degeneration. Right, an eye with a cataract.
TheVisualMD
Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Wickedthought
Neuro-ocular syphilis
CDC/ Susan Lindsley
Fundus Photography
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Complications of diabetes mellitus
TheVisualMD
Cross-section of retina, close-up of the photoreceptors
TheVisualMD
Eye with Diabetic Retinopathy
TheVisualMD
DiabeticRetinopathy
Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014
Macula of Retina
National Eye Institute of the NIH
Partially Sectioned Human Eye Exposing front and back of the eye including the Retina
TheVisualMD
Month 1
TheVisualMD
Retina close-up
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
Macula of Retina
Eric Wiessner
Fundus photo showing focal laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Eye with Diabetic Retinopathy
TheVisualMD
Retina showing reticular pseudodrusen - early age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
NIH Image Gallery
Hypotrichosis with juvenile macula dystrophy
BazokaSmurf
Retinoscopy
Retinoscopy
Also called: Ret, Shadow Test, Skiametry, Skiascopy
Retinoscopy is an objective determination of the refractive state of the eye (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). By using a retinoscope, the amount of correction and the power of lens needed can be determined.
Retinoscopy
Also called: Ret, Shadow Test, Skiametry, Skiascopy
Retinoscopy is an objective determination of the refractive state of the eye (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). By using a retinoscope, the amount of correction and the power of lens needed can be determined.
Retinoscopy is an accurate objective measurement of the refractive state of the eye, such as the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. It uses light reflected off the back of the eye and hand-held lenses to measure refractive error.
A retinoscopy can be especially useful in determining refractive error in very young children and infants or people with special needs, as it requires minimal cooperation.
Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. The length of the eyeball (longer or shorter), changes in the shape of the cornea, or aging of the lens can all cause refractive errors.
The most common types of refractive errors are myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a condition where objects up close appear clearly, while objects far away appear blurry. With myopia, light comes to focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a common type of refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near. However, people experience hyperopia differently. Some people may not notice any problems with their vision, especially when they are young. For people with significant hyperopia, vision can be blurry for objects at any distance, near or far.
Astigmatism is a condition in which the eye does not focus light evenly onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can cause images to appear blurry and stretched out.
https://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/95 [accessed on Feb 14, 2019]
https://nei.nih.gov/health/errors [accessed on Feb 14, 2019]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646585/ [accessed on Feb 14, 2019]
https://www.aao.org/young-ophthalmologists/yo-info/article/retinoscopy-101 [accessed on Feb 14, 2019]
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/expect.htm [accessed on Feb 14, 2019]
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Additional Materials (17)
B&L Retinoscope
Bausch & Lomb Copeland Streak Retinoscope
Image by Janee
Retinoscopy of the eye (Ophthalmology)
Video by Tim Root/YouTube
Performing a Retinoscopy
An eye care professional performs retinoscopy to determine the child’s refractive error (eyeglass prescription).
Image by National Eye Institute
Determining Eyeglass Prescription
An eye care professional performs retinoscopy to determine the child’s refractive error (eyeglass prescription).
Image by National Eye Institute
Refractive Error Fact Sheet
Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. The length of the eyeball (longer or shorter), changes in the shape of the cornea, or aging of the lens can all cause refractive errors.
Document by National Eye Institute
Nearsightedness Fact Sheet
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common type of refractive error where close objects appear clearly, but distant objects appear blurry.
Document by National Eye Institute
Pediatric Eye Exam
An eye care professional conducts a pediatric eye exam on a child.
Image by National Eye Institute
Pediatric Eye Exam
An eye care professional performs retinoscopy to determine the child’s refractive error (eyeglass prescription).
Image by National Eye Institute
Retinoscopy
This woman was pictured in her doctor’s office, while undergoing an eye exam. Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor was looking inside the interior of the patient’s right eyeball, in order to see if any intraocular damage had occurred, as a result of this patient's diabetic condition. Note the eye chart in the background, which is known as an E chart, or a tumbling E chart.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
This woman was pictured in her doctor’s office, while undergoing an eye exam. Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor was looking inside the interior of the patient’s left eyeball, in order to see if any intraocular damage had occurred, as a result of this patient's diabetic condition.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
This woman was pictured in her doctor’s office, while undergoing an eye exam. Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor was looking inside the interior of the patient’s left eyeball, in order to see if any intraocular damage had occurred, as a result of this patient's diabetic condition. Note the eye chart in the background, which is known as an E chart, or a tumbling E chart.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Eye exam
The woman pictured here, was undergoing an eye exam, whereupon, she was testing her visual acuity, by covering her left eye, and reading from a door-mounted eye chart, which used numbers as its symbols. Note that this eye chart was intended to be used with the patient standing at a distance of 10 feet from the chart.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
The woman pictured here, was undergoing an eye exam, whereupon, she was testing her visual acuity, by covering her left eye, and reading from a door-mounted eye chart, which used numbers as its symbols. The clinician was pointing to each of the various numbers, and the patient was reciting the highlighted number. Note that this eye chart was intended to be used with the patient standing at a distance of 10 feet from the chart.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
This seated female patient was in the process of receiving an eye examination, being conducted by a female physician, who was using a handheld ophthalmoscope, enabling her to see into the patient’s left eye.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
This seated female patient was in the process of receiving an eye examination from a female physician, who was using a hand-held ophthalmoscope to see into her right eye.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
This seated young female patient was in the process of receiving an eye examination from a male clinician, who was using a hand-held ophthalmoscope to see into her right eye.
Image by CDC/ Amanda Mills
Middle schoolers receive health screenings
A 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron optometrist, uses lenses to perform a retinoscopy on a Spangdahlem Middle School student during a school health screening on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Nov. 7, 2014. The screenings are held once a year to assess the weight, height, eyesight and hearing of students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano/Released)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano/Released
B&L Retinoscope
Janee
4:43
Retinoscopy of the eye (Ophthalmology)
Tim Root/YouTube
Performing a Retinoscopy
National Eye Institute
Determining Eyeglass Prescription
National Eye Institute
Refractive Error Fact Sheet
National Eye Institute
Nearsightedness Fact Sheet
National Eye Institute
Pediatric Eye Exam
National Eye Institute
Pediatric Eye Exam
National Eye Institute
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Eye exam
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Retinoscopy
CDC/ Amanda Mills
Middle schoolers receive health screenings
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano/Released
Care for Affected Babies
Public Health advisory: Zika virus
Public Health advisory: Zika virus
U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Alexxis Pons
Care for Babies Affected by Zika
As a parent of a new baby with health conditions related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of how to care for your new baby. Read on to learn more about health conditions related to Zika virus and find out where you can go for help.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects of the brain or eye, which can occur alone or with developmental problems, in a particular pattern called congenital Zika syndrome. Congenital means that it happened during the pregnancy, and the condition is present from birth. Syndrome refers to the pattern. The following conditions can occur in a baby with congenital Zika virus infection and are part of the pattern known as congenital Zika syndrome:
Smaller than expected head size, called microcephaly
Problems with brain development
Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing
Hearing loss
Seizures
Vision problems
Decreased joint movement, called contractures
Stiff muscles, making it difficult to move
Babies affected by Zika virus infection may have lasting special needs. Some of the conditions listed above can lead to problems with a child’s progress in moving, learning, speaking, and playing, called “developmental delay.” We are still learning about the long term effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, including the possible risk for developmental problems in children born without birth defects.
Your baby may need additional exams and tests from various healthcare specialists. Some may happen before your newborn leaves the hospital and others will occur at later doctor visits. Your baby’s primary healthcare provider along with the healthcare team will ensure that health issues are addressed and that you understand the recommended exams, tests, and therapies.
This webpage describes what to expect during the newborn period. It also discusses ways that parents can work with their child’s pediatrician, including identifying necessary medical specialists and coordinating care. It describes how family and supportive services can help parents and caregivers face challenges that might arise.
Tests and Screenings Done in the First Year of Life
CDC developed guidance for healthcare providers treating babies with Zika-related birth defects and developmental problems. The tests and screenings your newborn might receive in the first month of life include the following:
A comprehensive physical exam. Your baby’s healthcare provider measures your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference (the distance around your baby’s head). A head-to-toe assessment and listening to sounds from the lungs, heart and other organs are part of the exam, as well as testing your baby’s alertness, reflexes, and responsiveness.
A test for Zika virus infection. Your baby’s healthcare provider may take small samples of your baby’s blood and urine. A negative test result does not always indicate that your baby was not infected with Zika virus. However, a positive test could confirm Zika virus infection and helps your baby’s healthcare provider decide how best to care for your baby. In certain circumstances, your baby’s healthcare provider may also test your baby’s cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that covers the brain and spinal cord) for Zika virus.
A head ultrasound to check your baby’s brain development. Your baby’s healthcare provider may do a head ultrasound (using a machine that takes pictures of your baby’s brain). Sometimes, your doctor may refer your baby to see a specialist to have more advanced pictures, like magnetic resonance images (MRI), taken of his or her brain. These tests and physical exams help tell your healthcare providers if your baby has problems with brain development.
An ophthalmology (eye) exam. Zika virus can cause damage to your baby’s eyes that could affect their vision. An ophthalmologist (eye doctor) may use special equipment to look carefully at your baby’s eyes to examine their structure and check for abnormalities. Your doctor may use eye drops to temporarily enlarge your baby’s pupils (the dark circle in the middle of the colored part of the eye). This allows your doctor to better see the back of the eye (retina).
A hearing test. Your baby’s healthcare provider may do an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test during the first hospital stay or soon after you leave the hospital, depending on how newborn hearing screening was performed and the results of that screening. An ABR is a special hearing test that checks the brain’s response to sound. Small, painless stickers that can measure hearing are placed on your baby’s head and connected by wires to a computer. Earphones are placed over your baby’s ears. As sounds are made through the earphones, the stickers on your baby’s head send information to the computer about how your baby’s brain responds to the sounds.
Your baby might also receive referrals to see other types of doctors. If there are any abnormal results from your baby’s tests and screenings, the healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist. A specialist completed advanced education and training in a specific area of health or medicine. The specialist may order other tests that help determine whether your baby has conditions that frequently occur with congenital Zika syndrome or medical conditions caused by another congenital infection. These tests may be repeated multiple times in the first year of life.
Your baby should also have well-baby visits according to the American Academy of Pediatrics Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits. For more information about CDC’s testing recommendations for babies with congenital Zika syndrome, see our Roadmap for Parents of Babies with Congenital Zika Syndrome [PDF – 217 KB].
Care from Specialists
Your baby’s pediatrician may recommend that one or more of the following types of specialists see him or her:
An infectious disease specialist assists with diagnosing congenital Zika virus infection in your baby and ensures that your baby does not have abnormalities caused by another congenital infection.
A neurologist (nerves, spinal cord, and brain specialist) identifies developmental or neurologic problems and determines appropriate treatment for conditions related to the brain and nerves, such as seizures.
An ophthalmologist (medical eye specialist) conducts a full eye exam to check for problems that may affect vision and determines appropriate treatment if needed.
An audiologist (hearing specialist) conducts tests to check for problems that may affect hearing and determines appropriate treatment if needed.
A clinical geneticist confirms that your baby’s birth defects and medical problems are caused by Zika virus infection and there are no other causes, especially genetic causes.
An endocrinologist (hormone and gland specialist) diagnoses and treats conditions that cause a baby to have too much or too little of certain hormones, such as thyroid hormone.
A pulmonologist (lung specialist) or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) diagnoses and treats conditions affecting breathing.
A lactation specialist, nutritionist, gastroenterologist, or speech or occupational therapist diagnoses and treats feeding problems, like difficulty swallowing.
An orthopedist (bone and joint specialist), physiatrist, or physical therapist (physical rehabilitation specialists) diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the function of the bones, joints, and muscles.
Sometimes finding and getting an appointment with a specialist can be challenging. Your baby’s primary healthcare provider can help and may consider referring your baby to a healthcare facility with specialists who focus on treating babies and children with developmental issues.
If you live in an area without access to the specialist(s) and your baby’s doctor recommended a specialist a long distance from you, you may want to find transportation help.
Contact your social worker, community health worker, nonprofit organization, or local government office to see if they can provide transportation help. If you are not sure where to start, talk to your child’s doctors or nurses or speak with your health insurance provider to see if they can connect you with a social worker.
Check with your health insurance provider about options for help with transportation, such as shuttles, or reimbursements for costs of traveling to and from doctor appointments.
Ask friends, family, or community members to help with transportation.
Remember: The earlier you learn about the options that are available for your baby’s health care, the more you’ll be able to make the best decisions regarding his or her care.
Coordinated Care
Babies affected by Zika virus may have lasting special needs. Creating a medical home with a pediatrician or pediatric healthcare provider to lead the medical care of your child is the first step in addressing your child’s healthcare needs. Working together with your pediatrician to manage your baby’s care can ensure that care is coordinated and centered on his or her needs.
Listed below are ways to help make sure that care for your child is coordinated:
Ask questions. Talk openly to your baby’s pediatrician, ask any questions, and share any concerns that you have about your child’s care. You may find it helpful to write down your questions and the answers that you get. Some important questions are
How often should we have a visit with you?
What specialists do you recommend for my child to see?
How do I choose the right specialist for my child?
What kinds of special care will my child need at home, childcare, or school?
Can you connect me with an early intervention specialist?
How can I find out about support groups that have parents with similar concerns?
Work with your insurance provider. Ask your health insurance provider about your coverage for the types of healthcare providers your baby needs.
Work with an early intervention specialist. An early intervention specialist is a healthcare provider with specialized knowledge for children with special healthcare needs. Early intervention services (from birth to age 3) include therapies to help children sit, stand, walk, talk or communicate in other ways, and interact with others. These services can have a significant effect on a baby’s ability to learn new skills. The early intervention specialist can help you find services to support and optimize your baby’s development. Depending on the policies in your state, your baby may be eligible to receive free or low cost early intervention services.
Use a care plan. Some tests and exams that your baby has may be normal and seem unnecessary; however, because there are things still not known about the effects of Zika virus infection, it is important to get a complete picture of your baby’s health in order to make sure that your baby gets the care that they need. The earlier doctors can detect problems in your baby’s development, the better prepared your family and your baby’s medical team can be to make the best decisions for your baby. It may turn out that your baby will not need to see all of the specialists listed above, but follow your doctor’s guidance. Also, keep track of the care your baby is receiving with a care plan.
Family and Supportive Services
A diagnosis of Zika-related birth defects or developmental problems or congenital Zika syndrome can feel overwhelming. Talking to someone about your challenges, like a friend or a professional, may help. Hospitals often have a social worker who counsels and connects you with additional therapy resources. Your health insurance may cover therapy services, and some community organizations may offer these services for free.
It might be helpful to talk with other people who have family members affected by birth defects. Other people might be able to address some concerns and questions you have. Often, they can give you information about resources and share what worked for them. Talking with other people may also provide emotional support and hope for the future. Ask your baby’s healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, social worker, and other care team staff) if they can connect you to any support groups.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (4)
What to know if your baby may have been affected by zika but no health conditions
As a parent of a new baby who may have been affected by Zika virus during pregnancy,
you and your family may be worried and unsure of next steps in caring for your baby. Read
on to learn more about the importance of tracking your baby’s development and learn where
you can go for help.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Talking with Your Baby’s Doctor about Zika and Pregnancy
Tips for communicating with your baby’s doctor or healthcare provider.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What is Zika? What Should You Do About It?
Video by Healthcare Triage/YouTube
5 Tips for Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Exposed to Zika
Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
What to know if your baby may have been affected by zika but no health conditions
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Talking with Your Baby’s Doctor about Zika and Pregnancy
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
5:50
What is Zika? What Should You Do About It?
Healthcare Triage/YouTube
3:15
5 Tips for Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Exposed to Zika
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
Zika Virus Test
Zika Virus Test
Also called: ZIKV Test
A Zika virus test checks a sample of blood or urine to look for Zika virus. Zika is a virus that is mostly spread by mosquitos. A Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby.
Zika Virus Test
Also called: ZIKV Test
A Zika virus test checks a sample of blood or urine to look for Zika virus. Zika is a virus that is mostly spread by mosquitos. A Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Negative.
A negative result can mean you aren't infected or you were tested too soon for the virus to show up in testing.
Related conditions
A Zika virus test looks for signs of a Zika virus infection in a sample of your blood or urine (pee). The virus is mostly spread by mosquito bites. But you can get Zika if you have sex with a person who has Zika, even if they don't have symptoms. Using condoms may help prevent spreading Zika through sex.
A Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. Most unborn babies who get Zika will not have birth defects. But when birth defects happen, they often affect the brain and eyes.
The main birth defect linked to Zika is microcephaly. Babies with microcephaly have smaller heads than normal because their brains don't develop properly. A Zika infection in pregnancy also increases the risk of other birth defects, miscarriage, premature labor, and stillbirth.
Most people who get Zika have no symptoms or only mild symptoms that last a few days to a week. In rare cases, Zika may lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious illness that weakens your muscles. With proper care, most people will recover from GBS over time.
Zika outbreaks come and go in different parts of the world. They tend to happen more often in tropical climates, including Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America. There have been outbreaks of Zika virus in the United States, but they have not been common.
If general, Zika virus testing is mostly used to diagnose a Zika infection if you:
Have symptoms of Zika
And have been in a part of the world where there is an active Zika outbreak. Sometimes your health care provider may recommend a test if you been to an area that has a risk for Zika outbreaks.
There are two types of tests are used to check for Zika infections:
Molecular tests. These tests look for genetic material from the Zika virus. The tests are also called nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT or NAT). A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) is a common type of molecular test that checks for the Zika virus in a sample of your blood or urine. This test is recommended if you're pregnant.
Antibody tests. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight viruses and other germs. A Zika antibody test checks a sample of your blood for the antibodies that fight Zika. Your body needs time to make antibodies. So, to be accurate, an antibody test can be done starting within a week after symptoms begin.
Zika virus outbreaks tend to come and go. The recommendations for Zika testing are likely to change as outbreaks develop and disappear.
If you have symptoms of Zika and you have been in a part of the world where there is an active Zika outbreak, you need a Zika virus test.
If you are pregnant and:
You have symptoms of Zika, you need a Zika virus test if:
You have recently traveled to an area outside of the U.S. where there is a risk of Zika (a country that has a current outbreak or has had Zika outbreaks in the past).
You have had sex with a partner who traveled to an area outside the U.S. where there is a risk of Zika.
You have traveled to an area outside of the US where there is a risk of Zika, you may need a Zika virus test if:
Your provider sees problems on your baby's ultrasound that could be Zika.
You deliver a baby with birth defects that may have been caused by Zika.
Most people with Zika don't have symptoms, but when there are symptoms, they often include:
Fever
Rash
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Headache
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
If you have symptoms of Zika and could have been exposed through sex with an infected person, contact your provider. Tell your provider about your possible exposure. Using condoms can reduce your chance of getting Zika from sex.
A Zika virus test usually uses a sample of your blood or urine.
For a blood test: A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
For a urine test: Ask your health care provider for instructions on how to provide your sample.
You don't any special preparations for a Zika virus test.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
There are no known risks to a urine test.
If you have a negative Zika virus result:
On a molecular test, such as a PCR test, it means that you probably don't have a Zika infection. But you may need an antibody test to make sure you don't have Zika.
On an antibody test, it means that you probably haven't had a recent Zika virus infection. But you may have been tested before your body had time to make enough antibodies to show up on the test. Your provider may suggest that you get tested again.
If you have a positive Zika virus test result:
On a molecular test, such as a PCR test, it means that you most likely have a Zika infection. The test found genetic material from the Zika virus in your sample.
On an antibody test, it means that you may have a Zika infection, but you may need another test to confirm the results. That's because some Zika antibody tests may not tell the difference between Zika antibodies and antibodies that fight similar viruses that mosquitos carry.
If you're pregnant and have a Zika infection, your provider will closely watch your pregnancy to see if Zika is affecting your baby. After birth, your baby will be tested for a Zika infection.
If you have a Zika infection and you're planning to get pregnant in the near future, talk with your provider about how long you should wait. At this time, there's no evidence that getting pregnant after recovering from Zika has risks for the baby.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should avoid traveling in areas where Zika infection is a risk. If that's not possible, be careful to protect yourself against mosquito bites.
Zika Virus Test: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information [accessed on Oct 08, 2022]
Testing for Zika Virus Infections | Zika Virus | CDC [accessed on Oct 21, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (25)
Rash during Zika fever infection
Rash during Zika fever infection
Image by FRED
Zika fever - Symptoms
Symptoms of Zika virus
Image by Beth.herlin/Wikimedia
Zika Virus
Zika virus capsid model, colored by chains
Image by Manuel Almagro Rivas
Zika Virus
3D representation of a Zika virus
Image by Manuel Almagro Rivas
Prevention of Zika virus
Prevention of Zika virus
Image by UNIMAS Sarawak - WHO
Public Health advisory: Zika virus
U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Alexxis Pons
Mosquito Control
This image depicts someone spraying permethrin in an outdoor setting. Permethrin can be used to treat clothing and gear to repel mosquitoes that carry Zika virus. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Always follow the product label instructions.Additional Information:“Zika is spread primarily by the bite of Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). In addition to using permethrin, CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid mosquito bites.”Please see the links below for more on the subject of Zika virus.Key Words: Zika, Mosquito, Insect Repellent
Image by CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Photo credit: Lauren Bishop
Mosquito Control
This image depicts a young woman standing outdoors, and squeezing sunscreen from a bottle into her hand. If wearing insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, you should apply sunscreen first and repellent second. Here, the woman is also wearing long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.Additional Information:“Zika is spread primarily by the bite of Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). Always follow the product label instructions for repellents and sunscreens, and reapply as directed.”Please see the links below for more on the subject of Zika virus.Key Words: Zika, Mosquito, Sunscreen
Image by CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Photo credit: Lauren Bishop
Flavivirus Infections
This photograph was captured at a 2016 Family and Friends Appreciation Day, organized on behalf of Zika Responders, which took place at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) David Sencer Memorial Museum, on the organization’s Roybal Campus, located in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Here, one of the attendees, young Daniella Kukucka, was carefully examining the work of long-time CDC Photographer, Jim Gathany. This event recognized the important role family and friends play in supporting Zika responders.
Image by CDC/ CDC-Connects, Theresa Roebuck; Photo credit: Stacey Hoffman
Mosquito Control
This image depicts a pregnant woman holding an unopened condom package with one hand and resting her other hand on her stomach. The risk of Zika is of greatest concern for pregnant women, who can pass Zika to their developing fetus if infected during pregnancy. Women can become infected by mosquito bites, or by having sex with an infected person. Condoms can help prevent transmission. The woman is wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites.Additional Information:“Pregnant couples concerned that one of them may have Zika should tell their healthcare provider immediately about: Zika symptoms; each partner’s travel history; how long either partner stayed in an area with Zika; and if they had sex without a condom. Zika infection is a cause of microcephaly and other severe brain defects. Pregnant women should prevent mosquito bites and protect themselves from sexual transmission throughout their entire pregnancy.”Please see the links below for more on the subject of Zika virus.Key Words: Pregnancy, Zika, Mosquito, Birth Defects, Sexual Transmission
Image by CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Photo credit: Lauren Bishop - CDC
Mosquito Control
This image depicts a young woman standing outdoors, and squeezing insect repellent from a bottle into her hand. Zika is spread primarily by the bite of Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Here, the woman is also wearing long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.Additional Information:“CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents with one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Always follow the product label instructions, and reapply as directed.”Please see the links below for more on the subject of Zika virus.Key Words: Zika, Mosquito, Insect Repellent
Image by CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
Zika Virus
Video by Strong Medicine/YouTube
The Zika virus, explained
Video by Vox/YouTube
Understanding the Effect of Zika Virus on Pregnancy
Video by NICHDVideos/YouTube
What is Zika? What Should You Do About It?
Video by Healthcare Triage/YouTube
What is microcephaly?
Video by KHON2 News/YouTube
The Devastating Zika Virus Explained
Video by Seeker/YouTube
Could We Rid The World Of Mosquitoes?
Video by Gross Science/YouTube
ZIKA Virus UPDATE, How Bad is It? Animation.
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Mosquitos Suck Maddie's Blood! | Earth Unplugged
Video by BBC Earth Unplugged/YouTube
How Mosquitoes Use Six Needles to Suck Your Blood | Deep Look
Video by Deep Look/YouTube
Why Are Mosquitoes So Good at Carrying Disease?
Video by Seeker/YouTube
Acute ZIKV Infection during Pregnancy
Video by NEJMvideo/YouTube
Screening Pregnant Women for Zika Testing
Pregnant women should be asked about any possible Zika virus exposure, before
and during their pregnancy, at each prenatal visit. Use this tool to evaluate pregnant
women for exposure to Zika virus and symptoms of Zika virus disease to determine
whether testing is indicated.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Positive Zika Virus Test
For Pregnant Women: A Positive Zika Virus Test: What does it mean for me?
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Rash during Zika fever infection
FRED
Zika fever - Symptoms
Beth.herlin/Wikimedia
Zika Virus
Manuel Almagro Rivas
Zika Virus
Manuel Almagro Rivas
Prevention of Zika virus
UNIMAS Sarawak - WHO
Public Health advisory: Zika virus
Mosquito Control
CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Photo credit: Lauren Bishop
Mosquito Control
CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Photo credit: Lauren Bishop
CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Photo credit: Lauren Bishop - CDC
Mosquito Control
CDC/ National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
11:14
Zika Virus
Strong Medicine/YouTube
2:34
The Zika virus, explained
Vox/YouTube
2:54
Understanding the Effect of Zika Virus on Pregnancy
NICHDVideos/YouTube
5:50
What is Zika? What Should You Do About It?
Healthcare Triage/YouTube
1:29
What is microcephaly?
KHON2 News/YouTube
3:30
The Devastating Zika Virus Explained
Seeker/YouTube
5:36
Could We Rid The World Of Mosquitoes?
Gross Science/YouTube
3:01
ZIKA Virus UPDATE, How Bad is It? Animation.
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
6:41
Mosquitos Suck Maddie's Blood! | Earth Unplugged
BBC Earth Unplugged/YouTube
3:18
How Mosquitoes Use Six Needles to Suck Your Blood | Deep Look
Deep Look/YouTube
4:02
Why Are Mosquitoes So Good at Carrying Disease?
Seeker/YouTube
3:03
Acute ZIKV Infection during Pregnancy
NEJMvideo/YouTube
Screening Pregnant Women for Zika Testing
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Positive Zika Virus Test
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Support for Families & Caregivers
Microcephaly
Image by CDC
Microcephaly
Normal Baby head compared to baby with microcephaly
Image by CDC
Support for Families and Caregivers of Babies Affected by Zika
Families of babies affected by Zika virus may be overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of next steps in caring for their baby. A baby affected by Zika virus may be born with significant health issues, like microcephaly. Other babies may not have apparent symptoms at birth, but may develop them over time. Because we are still learning about the long-term effects of Zika infection during pregnancy, it is important that parents work with their doctors to manage the medical care of their baby.
Parents, you know your baby best. If you think there is a problem or are concerned about your baby’s health and development, talk to your baby’s doctor and share your concerns. In addition, there are services, like early intervention, that can help with your baby’s development and support programs that can help connect you with other families.
Source: Support for Families and Caregivers of Babies Affected by Zika | CDC
Additional Materials (4)
US Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry
CDC scientists use the US Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry to collect information to help families affected by Zika virus infection.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
April Vital Signs - Zika Virus: Protecting Pregnant Women and Babies
Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
Pediatrician Advice for Families: Responding to your Concerns about Zika
Video by American Academy of Pediatrics/YouTube
5 Tips for Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Exposed to Zika
Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
US Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
0:47
April Vital Signs - Zika Virus: Protecting Pregnant Women and Babies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
15:08
Pediatrician Advice for Families: Responding to your Concerns about Zika
American Academy of Pediatrics/YouTube
3:15
5 Tips for Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Exposed to Zika
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
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Congenital Zika Syndrome
Congenital Zika syndrome is a unique pattern of birth defects and disabilities found among babies infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. This can include microcephaly (small head), decreased brain tissue, damage to the back of the eye, joint issues, and too much muscle tone. Learn more about the health conditions related to congenital Zika syndrome.