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Published on: December 7, 2018
[Ocular findings in 304 children with Down syndrome]
Kaoru Tomita1, Hitomi Tsurui, Seiko Otsuka
1Heiwa Eye Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. kaorut@t.toshima.ne.jp
Insights
Japanese children with Down syndrome frequently experience refractive errors and strabismus, requiring early intervention for optimal visual development. Comprehensive ophthalmic care is crucial from infancy for all ocular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Down syndrome is a genetic condition associated with various health issues, including ocular abnormalities.
- Early identification and management of visual impairments are critical for developmental outcomes in children with Down syndrome.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of ocular findings in a cohort of Japanese children with Down syndrome.
- To provide data that can inform clinical practice and support the visual health of this population.
Summary:
- This study examined 304 Japanese children with Down syndrome (average age 7 years, 4 months).
- High rates of hyperopia (69.1%), astigmatism (58.5%), and strabismus (36.5%) were observed. Other findings included nystagmus, entropion, and cataracts.
- Spectacles were needed by 91.3% of participants.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the significant burden of refractive errors and strabismus in children with Down syndrome.
- Emphasizes the need for timely treatment during critical visual development periods.
- Underscores the importance of ongoing, intensive ophthalmic surveillance from infancy for children with Down syndrome.
Purpose:
To identify the characteristics and frequency of ocular findings in Japanese children with Down syndrome.
Methods:
A total of 304 Japanese children with Down syndrome at an average age of 7 years and 4 months were examined for ocular findings from June 2009 to January 2011.
Results:
Most had hyperopia (69.1%) and astigmatism (58.5%). Both normal and oblique astigmatism were common. Spectacles were necessary in 91.3%. The average visual acuity at 8 years was 0.305 logMAR. Under 6 years, stripe and picture visual acuity charts were useful. Strabismus (36.5%, esotorpia 23.3%), nystagmus (25.7%), stereopsis (46.0%), entropion of eyelids (18.8%), cataract (10.5%), and corneal disease (3 cases) were found. Medullated nerve fibers (3 cases), pseudo disc edema (2 cases), and other retinal changes including Leber congenital amaurosis like chorioretinal degeneration (3 cases) were also found.
Conclusion:
The high incidence of refractive errors and strabisums in Down syndrome were confirmed. These must be treated during the sensitive period of visual development. For other ocular findings intensive ophthalmic care is important for children with Down syndrome from the time of infancy.
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