Visual Defects and Down Syndrome...

Though much interest has not been shown regarding the visual problems in the children having chromosomal disorders and children who are mentally retarded but their visual health is equally important for their improvement in quality of life. I got an opportunity to evaluate visual problems in children with Down Syndrome of Nepal. As far as i know this was the first study regarding the Visual defects in such population. The ocular problems that were found in this population was mostly refractive errors (needing spectacles) and Nystagmus (involuntary to and fro movement of eyes). So, I would recommend the parents whose children are mentally challenged, and every health professions to refer the children with such conditions to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. The earlier the diagnosis the better will be the prognosis. For more information regarding regarding the research of Down Syndrome children in Nepal please visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123324707/abstract