BRUCKNER TEST (FUNDUS RED REFLEX TEST)

The Bruckner test is a simple yet very useful objective assessment for diagnosing abnormalities of the eye and refractive errors. The ophthalmoscope light is shone onto the eye and the light reflected from the fundus is observed. The interpretation of the finding is based on the position of the corneal light reflex and the colour of the light reflected from the fundus.

Procedure of Bruckner Test:

• To perform the task, the examiner should shine a direct ophthalmoscope light on both eyes simultaneously from a distance of 1 meter in a room with low light.
• The observer should then note the corneal reflection’s position and any variations in the brightness of the fundus reflex between the two eyes, which can be seen through the ophthalmoscope.

Interpretation of Bruckner Test:

• NORMAL: If both eyes exhibit a similar bright red reflex.
• Media opacity: When one/both eyes have dim/no reflex.
• Strabismus: The eye with strabismus tends to display a brighter reflex, whereas the eye that is fixating tends to have a comparatively darker reflex.
• Refractive errors: Crescent-shaped reflexes may be observed.