Retinal reflex photometry as a screening device for amblyopia and preamblyopic states in children.

Aberration in the physical structure or alignment of the eyes may produce pathologic neurocompensatory changes in the brain that, if left unattended, become irreversible. Two common examples of this abnormal state are accommodative esotropia and amblyopia. Both have a large optic component in their etiology and in most cases are correctable by optic methods. Generated retinal reflex photometry is a screening method that can detect, in the eyes of children, optic defects that tend to be the antecedents of more serious neurocompensatory processes. Detection at an early age permits more effective management and treatment of amblyopia. This technique is fast, safe, and inexpensive and provides a permanent record. It requires no response from the subject except a modicum of cooperation. It is attractive as an ocular screening method because it does not require highly trained personnel to administer the examination, yet appears to be accurate. The results lend themselves to mechanized processing.