Contrary to what many doctors have been taught, we found that number and location of hemorrhages of the eye's retina aren't always proof of child abuse. Retinal hemorrhages occur more often than most doctors think are associated with a wide variety of conditions. |
Many doctors have been taught to look for the hemorrhages when they suspect child abuse and often will diagnose child abuse without considering other possibilities. Our research shows that you see the hemorrhages in a variety of different situations in infants, children and adults. |
Our research shows that you see the hemorrhages in a lot of different situations. Retinal hemorrhages occur in child abuse, but they don't always mean a child was abused. Unfortunately, many pathologists, pediatricians and ophthalmologists have been taught that retinal hemorrhages are diagnostic of child abuse unless the child was involved in a high-speed car crash or fell more than two stories. |
We're finding just the opposite. We've found more retinal hemorrhages in non-abuse cases than in abuse cases, but most doctors don't look in the eyes of children unless they suspect child abuse. |