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Absent red reflex
System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Shining an ophthalmoscope light into a child's eye normally produces an orange-red glow from the pupil; a white reflex (leukocoria), a dark spot or no reflex is abnormal.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with congenital cataract, retinoblastoma and other serious eye conditions in childhood — it always needs prompt specialist assessment.
Related signs — General & Eye–Ear Signs
Browse the A section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.