Ophthalmologic findings in the Cornelia de Lange syndrome

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CDLS) is characterized by mental retardation, growth retardation, skeletal anomalies, and a characteristic facies. We examined 22 children with CDLS to ascertain the relative frequencies of oculofacial and ophthalmologic abnormalities. We confirm prior reports of the frequent findings of brow hypertrichosis, synophrys, and long arcuate eyelashes. In addition we documented the association with ptosis, nystagmus, and high myopia. Contrary to previous reports, we did not find blue sclera or corneal, pupillary, or retinal disorders to be part of this syndrome. Hypertelorism and telecanthus were found, but they were dependent on the method of calculation. Two children had optic nerve pallor. We also report the new findings of poor macular reflex, chin lifts induced by ptosis, hypertropia, and nasolacrimal duct fistula.