The red reflex is the reddish-orange glow that is seen when light is shone into the eye. It is caused by the reflection of light from the back of the eye, which is lined with blood vessels. Checking the red reflex is a simple and painless way to assess the health of the eye.
The red reflex can be checked using a variety of devices, including a penlight, an ophthalmoscope, or a retinoscope. To check the red reflex, the examiner will shine a light into the eye and look for a reddish-orange glow. If the red reflex is absent or diminished, it may indicate a problem with the eye, such as a cataract, glaucoma, or retinal detachment.