Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:03
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Ophthalmic disorders in children with Down syndrome
N J Roizen1, M B Mets, T A Blondis
1Department of Pediatrics, Wyler Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Ophthalmic disorders are common in children with Down syndrome (DS). Early and regular pediatric ophthalmologist evaluations are crucial for timely treatment and monitoring of vision issues in DS patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder associated with various health complications.
- Ophthalmic abnormalities are frequently observed in children with DS.
- Early detection and management of visual impairments are critical for development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ophthalmic disorders in a cohort of young children with Down syndrome.
- To assess the necessity of routine pediatric ophthalmologist examinations for this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective evaluation of 77 children with Down syndrome referred to a specialized clinic.
- Comprehensive eye examinations conducted by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
- Data collected on the presence and type of ophthalmic disorders.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion (61%) of children with Down syndrome exhibited ophthalmic disorders requiring intervention.
- The incidence of ophthalmic conditions increased with age, from 38% in infants to 80% in older children.
- Specific age-related trends in ophthalmic disorder prevalence were identified.
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome have a high frequency of treatable ophthalmic disorders.
- Routine screening by a pediatric ophthalmologist is recommended within the first six months of life.
- Annual follow-up examinations are advised for ongoing monitoring and management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:49Meiosis I
Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by a...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...