An irregular red reflex is the hallmark of congenital cataracts. If an irregular red reflex is detected at the initial screening, this usually indicates that a congenital cataract might be present and an ophthalmology consultation is warranted.
Leukocoria, or white reflex, also could be the presenting sign of a cataract. In a study by Haider and colleagues, 60% of patients who presented with leukocoria had congenital cataracts (18% unilateral and 42% bilateral). Other causes included retinoblastoma (11% unilateral and 7% bilateral), retinal detachment (2.8% unilateral and 1.4% bilateral), bilateral persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (4.2%), and unilateral Coats disease (4.2%).
For more on the presentation of congenital cataract, read here.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Robert H. Graham. Fast Five Quiz: Can You Properly Address Cataracts? - Medscape - Jul 22, 2015.
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