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Ocular manifestations in fetal alcohol syndrome

I M Ribeiro1, P J Vale, P A Tenedorio

  • 1Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal. isabelsribeiro@hotmail.com

European Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ocular abnormalities are common in children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Retinal fundus anomalies and small optic discs were frequently observed, highlighting the importance of ophthalmologic screening in FAS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of preventable birth defects.
  • Ocular abnormalities are frequently associated with FAS, impacting visual development.
  • Early identification and management of ocular issues in FAS are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in Portuguese children diagnosed with complete Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
  • To characterize the spectrum of ocular findings in this specific pediatric population.
  • To contribute data on the ophthalmologic manifestations of FAS.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination was performed on a consecutive sample of children with FAS.
  • Ocular fundus photography was utilized for detailed retinal and optic disc assessment.
  • Measurements such as the distance from optic disc center to fovea relative to optic disc diameter (DM/DD) were analyzed to identify small optic discs.

Main Results:

  • The study included 32 children with FAS (mean age 9 years; 72% boys).
  • Common ocular findings included short palpebral fissures (81%), strabismus (28%), epicanthus (27%), and blepharoptosis (16%).
  • Retinal vessel tortuosity (30%) and optic disc hypoplasia (25%) were noted, with 40% of eyes exhibiting small optic discs (DM/DD ratio).

Conclusions:

  • Anomalies of the retinal fundus and external eye structures are the most prevalent ocular findings in children with FAS.
  • The observed visual acuity and disease severity were better than in some previous studies, potentially due to patient selection, alcohol consumption patterns, or genetic factors.
  • Regular ophthalmologic evaluations are essential for children with FAS to detect and manage associated visual impairments.
Abstract

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