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Incidence of ocular pathologies in Italian children with Down syndrome

F Fimiani1, A Iovine, R Carelli

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.

European Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study examined ocular health in Italian children with Down syndrome, finding high rates of epicanthal folds and hyperopia. It also noted significant strabismus and nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Down syndrome is associated with various health issues, including ocular abnormalities.
  • Understanding the specific incidence of these pathologies is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of primary ocular pathologies in Italian children with Down syndrome.
  • To compare these findings with existing literature on ocular conditions in Down syndrome populations.

Main Methods:

  • Ophthalmologic evaluations were performed on 157 Italian children with Down syndrome (ages 1 month to 18 years).
  • Evaluations included visual acuity, motility, slit lamp biomicroscopy, cycloplegic skiascopy, tonometry, and indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Main Results:

  • High incidence of epicanthal fold (84%) and hyperopia (59%).
  • Significant rates of strabismus (36%), particularly exotropia (20%), and congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (22%).
  • Lower incidence of myopia (9%) and nystagmus (6%) compared to some previous studies; no congenital glaucoma or keratoconus observed.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a distinct pattern of ocular pathologies in Italian children with Down syndrome, with notable variations in hyperopia, myopia, and strabismus incidence.
  • Frequent occurrence of nasolacrimal duct obstruction was confirmed.
  • Absence of congenital glaucoma and keratoconus in this cohort warrants further investigation.
Abstract

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