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Heart defects and ocular anomalies in children with Down's syndrome
N R Bromham1, J M Woodhouse, M Cregg
1Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, UK. bromham@cf.ac.uk
Insights
Children with Down syndrome and heart defects often have myopia and nystagmus. This study explored the link between these ocular anomalies and congenital heart defects in this population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with a higher prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs).
- Ocular anomalies are also common in children with Down syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specific ocular anomalies are linked to CHDs in children with Down syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study included 58 children with Down syndrome.
- Children were categorized into heart defect groups based on medical records.
- Optometric assessments were previously conducted in the children's homes.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between congenital heart defects, myopia, and nystagmus.
- No relationship was observed between heart defects and accommodative insufficiency, hyperopia, or strabismus.
Conclusions:
- Congenital heart defects in children with Down syndrome are associated with myopia and nystagmus.
- These findings highlight the importance of regular eye examinations for children with Down syndrome and heart conditions.
Aims:
To investigate whether ocular anomalies are associated with congenital heart defects in children with Down's syndrome.
Methods:
58 children with Down's syndrome were entered into a retrospective observational study. Children were assigned to heart defect groups based on medical records. Optometric tests had previously been carried out at the homes of the children.
Results:
A relation between congenital cardiac defects, myopia, and nystagmus was observed. Heart problems were not related to accommodative insufficiency, hyperopia, or strabismus.
Conclusion:
In children with Down's syndrome heart defects were associated with both myopia and nystagmus.