Retinal Exam Diagnoses Shaken Baby Syndrome


Ophthalmologists have found that detailed examination of the retina can be used to diagnose Shaken Baby Syndrome. Researchers in America have found that using a hand held imaging device can provide eye experts with a detailed image of the retina that allows doctors to analyse whether damage to the eye has been cause by repeated shaking. It is hoped that this eye examining technology can be used to identify and protect children who may be being abused.

Researchers at the Retina Institute in the Vision Centre of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, found that using the hand held retinal imaging device allowed medical experts to discover damage and haemorrhaging that clinical examination had left uncovered. Researchers reached their conclusions by studying the eyes of babies that were brought to casualty wards with symptoms consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. Symptoms include vomiting and lack of eye movement. The study, published in the journal Retina, showed that abnormalities including multilayered retinoschisis were detected by the eye examining equipment.

Researchers hope that the eye examination can be used to diagnose this potentially fatal form of child abuse. It is also hoped that the eye examination software can be further developed and used to diagnose or study other retinal and eye conditions.

19th April 2010

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