Brazilian guidelines on the frequency of ophthalmic assessment and recommended examinations in healthy children younger than 5 years

Abstract

Purpose: To provide guidance on the frequency and components of eye examinations for healthy children aged 0 to 5 years. Methods: These guidelines were developed based on the medical literature and clinical experience of an expert committee. PubMed/Medline searches were performed, with selected publications not restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, or observational studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profile was applied when suitable, and for issues without scientific evidence, recommendations were based on expert consensus. Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society were also reviewed. The final guideline document was approved by the Brazilian Pediatric Ophthalmology Society and by the Brazilian Pediatric Society. Results: Newborns must undergo the red reflex test and inspection of the eyes and adnexa by a pediatrician within 72 hours of life. The red reflex test should be repeated by the pediatrician during childcare consultations at least three times per year during the first 3 years of life. If feasible, a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination may be performed between 6 and 12 months of age. Until 36 months of age, the pediatrician should assess the infant’s visual development milestones, age-appropriate assessment of visual function, ocular fixation, and eye alignment. At least one comprehensive ophthalmologic examination should be perfor-med at 3 to 5 years of age. The examination should minimally include inspection of the eyes and adnexa, age-appropriate visual function assessment, evaluations of ocular motility and alignment (cover tests), cycloplegic refraction, and dilated fundus. Conclusions: Guidelines concerning the frequency of ophthalmic assessment are important tools for directing physicians regarding best practices that avoid treatable vision problems that affect children’s development, school, and social performance and cause unnecessary permanent vision loss.