The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus agree that all children should have their eyes examined by the pediatric or family doctor. At least one thorough exam by an eye MD including cycloplegic refraction and dilated retina check should be done before the age of five even in children who do not show signs of eye problems. Even before that, a normal baby will quickly close both eyes when exposed to bright light. Under normal conditions, the pupil black or it may appear reddish-orange in photographs. A white or discolored pupil can indicate a cataract or a life-threatening tumor in the eye.
Irregular pupils can indicate serious eye disease or abnormal development.
Unequal or slowly reacting pupils may indicate retinal or brain disease. Inflammation and infection in or on the eye will cause the tiny blood vessels overlying the white sclera to dilate causing an injected, red appearance. A broken blood vessel on the eyeball may make a bright red blood blister, which is usually not as serious unless caused by trauma. Other children have a drooping lid at birth which may cause vision loss secondary to astigmatism. In addition, the eyes may be involved in the cause or diagnosis of some other kinds of headache.