What does the Hirschberg test evaluate?

The Hirschberg test evaluates the symmetry of light reflection off the corneas. This test assesses a person's strabismus, or eye misalignment, by observing how light reflects in the pupils. When a light source is directed toward the patient's eyes, it should create symmetric reflections in both corneas if the eyes are properly aligned. If one eye is misaligned, the reflection will shift to the side of the eye that is deviated, indicating a potential strabismus. This simple test is often used in clinical settings as a preliminary screening for eye alignment issues.

While the other options, such as evaluating the size of the pupils or their light response, are important components of a comprehensive eye exam, they do not specifically pertain to the Hirschberg test's purpose. Instead, the test focuses strictly on the alignment of the eyes as indicated by the light reflex. Color perception is assessed through different tests and is not relevant to this evaluation.