Teste do reflexo vermelho: impacto no prognóstico da catarata congênita - uma revisão integrativa.

Abstract

Visual impairment is a global public health problem, with an important social and economic impact. Among the blind, 80% is developed from a preventable cause. In the pediatric population, the congenital cataract plays an important role, since its early diagnosis and intervention allow major changes in the final visual outcome. Therefore, an effective visual screening is required in this population. Among the methods available, this work highlights the red reflex test, due to its simplicity, low cost, and potential for detecting ocular abnormalities. In order to assess the impact of the red reflex test on visual prognosis of congenital cataracts, we performed an integrative literature review, using the descriptors "neonatal screening" and "cataract", with its qualifier "congenital" in PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the six selected articles had there evidence organized, analyzed and synthesized. The results showed that the early intervention allows lower rates of strabismus and amblyopia, although the final visual outcome is also influenced by the patient's adherence to prescribed clinical treatment. There was also a relationship between a younger age at surgery and great post-operative complications and also a higher rate of myopic refractive disorders. Evidence suggests that in developing countries like Brazil, the difficulty of access to specialized services makes it difficult for early diagnosis by the red reflex test to fulfill its role and bring a better prognosis for these patients. Further studies with strong evidence are required to determine the direct relationship of the red reflex test and the prognosis of congenital cataracts.