Eye Shields for Infants After Dilated Exam

An Eye-opener: The Impact of Eye Shields for Infants After Dilated Exam

The eyes of hospitalized infants are often assessed by dilated exam, and there is evidence that infants experience post-exam stress. Investigators will evaluate whether eye shields for infants after dilated eye exam lessen stress and discomfort.

Neonatal eye examinations are the standard of best practice in pediatrics. In the acute clinical setting, infants' eyes are inspected for eye development, defect, and disease. There is anecdotal and clinical evidence that infants experience stress after eye dilation. Investigators will evaluate whether eye shields for infants after dilated eye exam lessen stress and discomfort.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronological age 0-12 months
• Infants who require dilated eye exams
• Parent or legal guardian consent/permission granted

Exclusion Criteria:

• More than a two-week interval between dilated eye exams
• Prior or ongoing medical treatment or therapy for the eye(s)
• Functional blindness diagnosed by eye exam