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Down's syndrome and early cataract
1Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark. bgd@ssi.dk
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 5, 2006
Summary
Early cataract occurs in 1.4% of children with Down syndrome. Cataracts requiring surgery in childhood are rare, with many bilateral cases detected neonatally.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with various health issues, including ocular abnormalities.
- Early detection and management of cataracts are crucial for visual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of early-onset cataracts in pediatric patients with Down syndrome.
- To describe the clinical features and management of these cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of Danish children (0-17 years) diagnosed with cataract between 1977-2001.
- Analysis of medical records for 1027 cataract cases, identifying those with Down syndrome.
Main Results:
- 2.8% (29/1027) of non-traumatic cataract cases were in children with Down syndrome.
- The occurrence of early cataract in Down syndrome was 1.4%, with 27 cases of bilateral and 2 of unilateral cataract.
- Half of the affected children (14/29) required cataract surgery, with early intervention in neonatal cases.
Conclusions:
- Early cataract affects 1.4% of children with Down syndrome, with surgical intervention needed less frequently.
- Bilateral cataracts were common, with a significant proportion diagnosed at birth and requiring early surgical management.