The Hirschberg test is a noninvasive screening for strabismus that can be performed on patients of any age during a routine eye exam. If signs of strabismus are identified, additional tests may be recommended to develop treatment recommendations. The test involves shining a light into the eye and measuring the degree of deviation to determine the severity of the squint. Treatment options include eye exercises, glasses, eye patches, or medication. It is important to intervene quickly to avoid complications. Pediatricians may refer children to an ophthalmologist for further testing.
The Hirschberg test is a quick, noninvasive screening for strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are misaligned. Healthcare professionals can perform this test on patients of any age as part of a routine eye exam. If signs of strabismus are identified, some additional tests may be recommended to learn more about the situation and develop treatment recommendations. These can vary, depending on the cause.
In the test, the healthcare professional asks the patient to focus directly on a target, shining a light into the eye. Light should reflect from the center of the cornea, just above the pupil, in people with properly positioned eyes. If it wanders across the eye, this indicates that the patient’s eyes are not quite aligned. Deviations on the Hirschberg test can reveal squint that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Light can land squarely in one pupil and above, below, or to the side of the other.
When healthcare professionals notice that the eyes appear misaligned, they can measure the degree of deviation to determine the severity of the squint. The results of the Hirschberg test can be noted on the patient file. Other tests with minimally invasive approaches are available to confirm the result, as the doctor does not want to alarm the patient if the diagnosis is incorrect. Patient history can also provide important information, as in some cases the eyes may appear out of position on the Hirschberg test, but there are extenuating circumstances that explain the situation.
The primary diagnosis of strabismus may involve the Hirschberg test along with other procedures to check for eye health. Once the patient begins treatment, a follow-up test may need to be performed. This can help a healthcare professional determine whether a treatment approach is effective and how well the patient responds to it. Some patients benefit from eye exercises, for example, while others may need glasses, eye patches or medications to treat the condition. It is important to intervene quickly, because the longer the squint is allowed to persist, the more complications it can cause.
Parents who have been seeing an ophthalmologist after a pediatrician notices something concerning during an exam shouldn’t panic. Eye care for young children is extremely important, and a pediatrician may want to be safe rather than sorry. Your eye doctor can explain what procedures are recommended or necessary to find out if a problem is present. The results can be discussed with the parents to inform them about treatment options if a problem is identified and the doctor thinks the child needs treatment.
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