Ophthalmologic Abnormalities in Teenagers with Down's Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate visual and ocular abnormalities in a population of teenagers with Down's syndrome. Methods: Students with Down's syndrome (DS) at a special education high school underwent ophthalmic examinations in December 2001. Data were collected by retrospective review of hospital records and student health records. Results: A total of 20 students with DS, 8 males and 12 females, were enrolled. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of the subjects was 14.3±0.6 years. Abnormal ophthalmologic findings in decreasing frequencies were astigmatism (89.2%), amblyopia (61.9%), myopia (56.8%), anisometropia (44.4%), hyperopia (29.7%), cataract (17.5%), strabismus (15.0%), nystagmus (15.0%), and blepharoconjunctivitis (15.0%). Amblyopia was mainly attributed by refractive errors and strabismus. Myopia was less prevalent than in the general population of the same age in Taiwan, but astigmatism and anisometropia were more prevalent. The most common types of cataract were cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities. Conclusions: The prevalence of visual and ocular disorders in teenagers with DS is high. Because these disorders can be detrimental to learning, early and regular ophthalmic examinations of teenaged students with DS are mandatory. Particular attention should be paid to screen for refractive error, amblyopia, strabismus and cataract. Early treatment of these conditions should be initiated when identified.