Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
10:16
High-throughput Antiviral Assays to Screen for Inhibitors of Zika Virus Replication
Published on: October 30, 2021
3.2K
Universal Newborn Eye Screening in São Paulo, Brazil
Pauline Scherm1, Devi K Schwartz2, Marcelo Alexandre Agra Cavalcante Costa3
1Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital Department of Ophthalmology; LMU Klinikum Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Munich, Germany.
Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging Retina
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Ocular abnormalities are common in healthy term newborn infants, affecting 37.7%. A small percentage, 4.88%, require further investigation, suggesting universal newborn eye screening may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ocular abnormalities in newborns can impact visual development.
- Early detection is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of ocular abnormalities in healthy term newborn infants.
- To evaluate the potential need for universal newborn eye screening.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5,000 eye examinations from 32,000 infants across 17 hospitals.
- Wide-angle retinal imaging (five views) and anterior segment imaging within 72 hours of birth.
- Image curation by a pediatric retina specialist for ocular abnormalities.
Main Results:
- An ocular abnormality was detected in 37.7% of healthy term newborn infants.
- Referral-warranted pathology was identified in 4.88% of the infants.
- A total of 59,792 images were analyzed, with specific counts for normal and abnormal eyes.
Conclusions:
- The high incidence of ocular abnormalities warrants consideration for universal screening in healthy term newborns.
- Implementing a screening program could facilitate early identification and treatment of potentially vision-threatening conditions.
