Parent Concerns & Support
Notes for parents & carers
The eye problems which may affect children with Down’s syndrome are commonly those which occur in any group of children – they just tend to occur more frequently and sometimes to a more marked degree. Health Visitors and General Practitioners will arrange for the children in their care to have their eyes checked and this is even more important if a child has Down’s syndrome.
The treatment of children with Down’s syndrome usually differs very little from that of other children. Because of their learning difficulties children with Down’s syndrome sometimes need vision tests designed for younger children. They may find it easier to sign rather than name pictures verbally. Children with a heart condition do not usually have a problem if they need eye surgery, but advice from the cardiologist should be sought.
Eye Problems In Children With Down Syndrome
Tips for Buying Kids' Eyewear
If you're a parent, you probably know that walking into an optical store can be a little confusing. There may be lots of children's eyeglass frames to choose from, but that's the problem! How do you figure out which ones: a) your child is willing to wear and b) will last longer than the ride home?
To begin with, most children who need eyeglasses are either nearsighted or farsighted. Depending on the degree of visual correction necessary, an eye doctor will prescribe glasses for full- or part-time wear. Some kids will be instructed to take their eyeglasses off for schoolwork, while others need to have them on every waking moment.
10 Tips for Buying Kids' Eyewear
Blepharitis
- Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the edge of the eye lids.
- The cause is often unknown.
- Prolonged treatment may be required before it is effective.
- The condition can recur.
Patient Information Sheet provided by the Oxford Eye Hospital
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
What is a tear duct obstruction?
Tears normally drain through small openings in the corners of the upper and lower eyelids called puncta and enter the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. Tear duct obstruction prevents tears from draining through this system normally.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of part of your eye called the lens. Your vision becomes blurred because the cataract is like a frosted glass, interfering with your sight. It is not a layer of skin that grows over your eye, despite what you may have heard