Hirschberg test

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

A light shone into both eyes should reflect at the same corresponding point on each cornea; an off-centre reflection in one eye shows a squint (corneal light reflex test).

What a positive finding suggests

Used to detect and roughly grade strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), especially in children.

◈ Behind the name

Julius Hirschberg (1843–1925), German ophthalmologist.

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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.