How Newborn Eye Screenings Happen Around the World

Vision is one of the most important senses for a baby’s development, but also one of the most vulnerable in the first months of life. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 newborns may present some type of ocular alteration, often silent and only detected through specific exams. For this reason, different countries have developed newborn eye screening programs, with varying methodologies.

Europe

In Europe, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany adopt mandatory eye screening routines still in the maternity ward. The red reflex test, performed with an ophthalmoscope, is widely used to identify alterations such as congenital cataract and retinoblastoma. In addition, some nations are beginning to implement more advanced methods, using equipment that allows high-resolution retinal imaging, ensuring more accurate and earlier diagnoses.

Africa

In Africa, screening programs are still uneven. In countries like South Africa, reference hospitals have adopted newborn eye screening protocols, but in many rural regions this type of exam is not yet routine. Non-governmental organizations have played a crucial role, bringing portable technologies to local maternity wards, which helps reduce preventable childhood blindness.

South America

In Brazil and other South American countries, the Eye Test is recommended and, in some regions, mandatory by law. However, most maternity wards still use only the traditional red reflex method, which can miss more complex alterations. In this context, Advanced Newborn Eye Screening emerges as an important innovation, allowing a more complete and safer screening capable of detecting diseases that could go unnoticed in conventional exams.

Asia

In Asia, there is great diversity between countries. In Japan, for example, newborn eye screening is well structured, with systematic exams carried out in all infants. In developing countries such as India, public and private initiatives have been advancing to expand access to modern screening technologies, especially in large cities, but challenges remain in rural areas.

The importance of Advanced Newborn Eye Screening

Although methods vary around the world, they all share the same goal: to detect early eye problems that could compromise vision throughout life. Advanced Newborn Eye Screening represents a significant advancement, as it uses imaging technology to thoroughly examine the internal structures of a baby’s eyes. With it, it is possible to identify serious conditions such as retinoblastoma, congenital glaucoma, and retinal alterations at an early stage.

Newborn eye screening is an essential step to ensure the healthy development of vision. Initiatives worldwide show important progress, but also highlight inequalities in access. In this context, more comprehensive exams, such as Advanced Newborn Eye Screening, are fundamental to increase diagnostic safety and protect vision from the very first days of life.