Ocular findings in 55 patients with Down's syndrome

Abstract

Fifty-five patients with Down's syndrome were examined to evaluate the characteristics and frequency of ocular findings. Of these patients, 29 (52.7%) were hypermetropes, 7 (12.7%) were emmetropes, and 7 (12.7%) were myopes; astigmatism of more than 3.00 diopters was present in 7(12.7%) patients. Strabismus was observed in 12 (21.8%) patients. All but one of these 12 patients also had esotropia. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction was present in 12 subjects (21.8%). Blepharitis was found in 19 (34.5%) cases. Nystagmus occurred in 7 (12.7%) patients. Brushfield spots were detected in only 20 (36.3%) of the patients and were more common in light-colored irides. Lens opacities were diagnosed in 11 (20%) patients, and two underwent successful cataract surgery. On fundus examination, an increased number of retinal vessels crossing the optic nerve head was detected in 21 (38.1%) cases. One of the patients had a retinal detachment. Significant but correctable ocular problems are present in patients with Down's syndrome and may interfere with the quality of life of the patient and with binocular vision. Surgical intervention may be needed for strabismus and for cataracts.

Refractive errors and strabismus in Asian patients with Down syndrome

“…Although it is difficult to compare our results with previous studies because of the variegated definitions of refractive error, the prevalences of myopia and hyperopia in our study appear to be similar to those reported in earlier studies. 10 However, the prevalence of astigmatism was different from those studies, with an almost twofold increase noted in our study. 3 In addition, the prevalence of astigmatism increased with age in earlier studies.…”

Characteristic ocular findings in Asian children with Down syndrome

“…The overall incidence of ocular abnormalities in Korean children with DS (91%) was markedly higher than previously reported (Table 5). [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] This might be due to the preparation of a special examination sheet for DS documenting every reported ocular finding, slit-lamp biomicroscopy (before and after fluorescein instillation), cycloplegic refraction, and indirect ophthalmoscopic examination for every patient. The ocular findings in Korean children with DS are characterized as an unreported, high incidence of epiblepharon, the highest rate of exotropia and no cases of Brushfield spots.…”

“…1 Numerous ophthalmic features have been reported, including abnormalities of the eyelid, cornea, iris, lens, retina, and optic disc, as well as ametropia, amblyopia, strabismus, and nystagmus. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The incidence of each ocular abnormality varies in different studies. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Most reported studies of ocular findings in DS have been performed in Caucasians.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The incidence of each ocular abnormality varies in different studies. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Most reported studies of ocular findings in DS have been performed in Caucasians. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] There are only a few reports in the literature that make reference to ocular findings in Asian patients with DS.…”

Health Supervision for Children With Down Syndrome

“…Discuss obesity as a risk factor for sleep apnea. 34 It is recognized that access to a pediatric sleep laboratory or specialist may be limited for some populations and geographic areas.…”