The Dr. Bill Takeshita Foundation

Last Modified: Sat, 18 Aug 2007

View other Common Causes of Vision Impairment

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males, females, and people of all ethnic origins equally. It is more prevalent among children born to older women. Normally, there is a pair of each chromosome. In Down syndrome, there are three number 21 chromosomes instead of two. This genetic abnormality can cause mild to moderate problems, including motor weakness, heart defects, mental retardation, hearing impairment, and language disorders. Although there is no cure for Down syndrome, occupational, physical, and speech therapies can be very beneficial.

Children with Down syndrome have a higher prevalence of visual problems as compared to the general population. They frequently suffer from blurred sight as a result of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and a stigmatism. They may also suffer from cataracts, which can cause blurred sight or even total blindness. Crossed or turned eyes ‘’’(strabismus)’’’ is also very common and may cause double vision, poor depth perception, and poor eye-hand coordination.

Children with Down syndrome should have their eyes examined by the age of 3 months. The early diagnosis and treatment of these eye problems can prevent permanent blurred sight and blindness. Unfortunately, many children with Down syndrome do not receive proper eye care and develop ‘’’amblyopia’’’, a condition in which the visual centers of the brain do not receive proper stimulation, resulting in permanent vision impairment. Developmental optometrists and ophthalmologists can perform specialized tests to diagnose and treat children with vision problems and prevent permanent vision loss.

• For more information, please see Low Vision Rehabilitation