The Impact of Missed Red Reflex Screening on Binocular Vision Outcomes in a Child with Bilateral Congenital Cataracts

Eka Fadliyani; Munita Sari; Eva Imelda; Cut Dini Anggreiny; Nikhil Toshnowal

doi:10.60084/ijcr.v3i2.355

Authors

Eka Fadliyani School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Munita Sari School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Eva Imelda Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital Dr. Zainoel Abidin, Banda Aceh 23126, Indonesia
Cut Dini Anggreiny School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Nikhil Toshnowal Navneet Hospital, Solapur, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60084/ijcr.v3i2.355

Keywords:

Congenital cataracts, Red Reflex Screening, Exotropia, Delayed intervention

Abstract

Delayed recognition of congenital cataracts during the critical period of visual development can result in permanent neurovisual deficits. This case report describes a 5-year-old child with bilateral congenital cataracts who presented late with alternating exotropia. Ocular evaluation showed bilateral cataracts, alternating fixation on cover testing, and absent stereopsis, indicating long-standing visual deprivation. Despite cataract extraction, binocular function remained poor due to disruption of cortical binocularity beyond the sensitive developmental window. This case underscores the irreversible impact of late intervention and highlights the need for strengthened neonatal red reflex screening and timely referral to prevent avoidable lifelong visual impairment.

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