Exams and Tests

An ophthalmologist puts drops in the baby's eyes to dilate the pupils and then carefully examines the retina, especially the retinal periphery. If the ophthalmologist cannot fully see the peripheral retina, an additional examination with the baby under general anesthesia (EUA) may be advised.

Because brain damage is usually accompanied by retinal damage, people with retinal disease should also be examined for the presence of brain damage. People with seizures or other evidence of brain involvement should have more frequent retinal examinations, often under anesthesia. Using anesthesia offers the ophthalmologist optimal visualization of the peripheral retina.