Anomalies of Refraction, Accommodation and Binocular Single Vision in Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is one of common chromosomal abnormalities. Many ophthalmic features are studied and reported previously. The aim of this research is to investigate and thoroughly study the anomalies of refraction, accommodation and binocular single vision(BSV) in Down syndrome along with strabismus and ocular abnormalities. Methods: Total of 40 children with Down syndrome, age ranging from 6 years to 14 years old underwent ocular assessment including visual acuity assessment, non Cycloplegic refraction, ophthalmoscopy, ocular alignment and ocular motility tests and tests for binocular single vision. Results: Among population of 40 children with Down syndrome. 40% children had hypermetropia and 37.5% had Astigmatism and 5% had myopia being least common. Esotropia being the most common deviation with 60% population size. Binocular single vision was found to be effected as well. It was completely absent in 12.5% of population where as 25% population had only grade I presented whereas 17.5 had grade II presented. Other ocular nding were also noted and prevalence's as Nystagmus in 15%, Cataract in 25%, Blephritis 10%, conjunctivitis in 12.5%, keratoconus 5% and iris abnormalities in 10% population. Conclusions: In our study, the anomalies of refraction were found to be hyperopia and astigmatism. The reduce near point of accommodation was noted hence reduced amplitude of accommodation is identied where as weak accommodation should take in to consideration when dealing with Down syndrome. Binocular single vision is also found to be disturbed in the presence of strabismus. Whereas other ocular abnormalities like cataract, nystagmus and blephritis must be also considered. So further studies are required to identify other anomalies which can be related to vision and must be diagnosed and treat with best treatment regime available. Key Words: Down syndrome, Refractive error, Binocular single vision, Accommodation.