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Ophthalmic abnormalities in children with Down syndrome
Alexandra L Creavin1, Ray D Brown
1University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|April 7, 2009
Summary
Children with Down syndrome commonly experience ophthalmic disorders like refractive errors and strabismus. Regular eye screenings are crucial for early detection and management of these vision issues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence of ocular abnormalities compared to the general pediatric population.
- Early identification and management of ophthalmic conditions are vital for preserving vision in children with DS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available literature on common ophthalmic disorders in children (0-16 years) with Down syndrome.
- To highlight the need for structured ophthalmic screening programs for this population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across seven electronic databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE.
- Search terms combined Down syndrome, ophthalmology, and pediatrics, yielding 230 articles; 23 were included after applying exclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Refractive errors (especially hyperopia) and strabismus (particularly esodeviation) were common findings.
- Poor visual acuity, nystagmus, and blepharitis were also frequently observed.
- Cataracts and glaucoma, though less common, pose significant risks to vision.
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome require regular ophthalmic screening due to a high risk of various eye conditions.
- Further research is needed to optimize the implementation of screening programs and interprofessional collaboration.
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