CO Pediatric Vision Development & Screening Flashcards

Nystagmus that is present at birth or develops within the first 6 months is classified as:

Answer: Infantile (congenital) nystagmus

Nystagmus onset within the first 6 months of life is termed infantile or congenital nystagmus and is distinguished from acquired forms by its early onset and typical waveforms.

Latent nystagmus is characteristically triggered by which condition?

Answer: Monocular occlusion (covering one eye)

Latent nystagmus occurs or worsens when one eye is occluded, beating toward the viewing eye, and is commonly associated with infantile esotropia.

The null point in congenital nystagmus is the gaze position where nystagmus intensity is minimized, which often explains why a child adopts:

Answer: A head turn or tilt (anomalous head posture)

Children with nystagmus adopt an anomalous head posture to place their eyes at the null point, thereby minimizing the nystagmus and maximizing visual acuity.

Which refractive error is a significant risk factor for anisometropic amblyopia even without any measurable strabismus?

Answer: 2 D or more difference in spherical equivalent between eyes

An interocular difference of 2 diopters or more in spherical equivalent creates anisometropic amblyopia risk by providing unequal retinal image quality.

In a child suspected of having a high AC/A ratio esotropia, which test is MOST useful to confirm the diagnosis?

Answer: Comparison of angle at distance vs. near without glasses

Comparing the deviation at distance and near (without near-addition lenses) reveals a significantly larger near esotropia, confirming a high AC/A ratio.

Cycloplegic refraction in children is critical for accurate measurement because it:

Answer: Paralyzes accommodation to reveal the full hyperopic error

Children exert high levels of accommodation that can mask significant hyperopia; cycloplegia paralyzes the ciliary muscle to allow measurement of the true refractive error.