OCULAR FINDINGS IN 55 PATIENTS WITH DOWNS-SYNDROME

Fifty-five patients with Down's syndrome were examined to evaluate the characteristics and frequency of ocular findings. Of these patients, 29 (52.7%) were hypermetropes, 7 (12.7%) were emmetropes, and 7 (12.7% ) Were myopes; astigmatism of more than 3.00 diopters was present in 7 (12.7%) patients. Strabismus was observed in 12 (21.8%) patients. All but one of these 12 patients also had esotropia. Congenital nasolacri mal duct obstruction was present in 12 subjects (21.8%). Blepharitis w as found in 19 (34.5%) cases. Nystagmus occurred in 7 (12.7%) patients . Brushfield spots were detected in only 20 (36.3%) of the patients an d were more common in light-colored irides. Lens opacities were diagno sed in 11 (20%) patients, and two underwent successful cataract surger y. On fundus examination, an increased number of retinal vessels cross ing the optic nerve head was detected in 21 (38.1%) cases, One of the patients had a retinal detachment, Significant but correctable ocular problems are present in patients with Down's syndrome and may interfer e with the quality of life of the patient and with binocular vision. S urgical intervention may be needed for strabismus and for cataracts.