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Strabismus and binocular function in children with Down syndrome. A population-based, longitudinal study
1Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. ohha@haukeland.no
Insights
Most children with Down syndrome and strabismus develop acquired esotropia, often linked to hypermetropia and accommodation issues. This suggests a potential for binocular vision in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with various ocular abnormalities.
- Strabismus is a common condition affecting eye alignment.
- Understanding strabismus in Down syndrome is crucial for visual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and types of strabismus in children with Down syndrome.
- To investigate the age of onset for strabismus in this population.
- To assess the potential for binocular vision in affected children.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal, population-based study of 60 children with Down syndrome.
- Repeated eye examinations including Hirschberg corneal reflex test and cover test.
- Binocular function assessed using Titmus House Fly Test and Lang's stereo test.
Main Results:
- 42% of children with Down syndrome had strabismus, predominantly acquired esotropia (21 cases).
- Mean age at strabismus onset was 54 months; infantile esotropia was rare.
- Acquired esotropia was linked to hypermetropia (75%) and accommodation weakness (75%).
Conclusions:
- The majority of strabismus in Down syndrome is acquired esotropia, indicating potential for binocularity.
- Hypermetropia and accommodative weakness are significant factors in the development of esotropia.
- Early detection and management of refractive errors and accommodation may improve outcomes.
Purpose:
We have performed a population-based, longitudinal study on strabismus in children with Down syndrome. The aims of the study were to examine the frequency and type of strabismus, the age at onset, and the binocular potential.
Methods:
An unselected population of 60 children with Down syndrome born 1988-1999 was followed with repeated examinations. Mean follow-up time was 55+/-23 months (range 24--115). The alignment of the eyes was examined using Hirschberg corneal reflex test and cover test for near fixation. To evaluate binocular function, Titmus House Fly Test and Lang's stereo test were used.
Results:
Twenty-five patients (42%) had strabismus (21 esotropias, two exodeviations and two vertical deviations). Only one case of infantile esotropia was found, the other esotropias were acquired forms. The mean age at "onset" (e.g. when strabismus was first noticed) was 54+/-35 months. In the acquired esotropia group (n=20), 15 (75%) were associated with hypermetropia (mean spherical equivalent +4.3+/-1.7 D). Seventeen of the strabismic patients had an accommodation weakness. Eleven of the strabismus patients gave a clearly positive response to one or both stereotests.
Conclusions:
The majority of the Down syndrome children with strabismus have an acquired esotropia and hence a potential for binocularity. Hypermetropia and accommodation weakness are probably important factors in esotropia in Down syndrome patients.