Vision Guidelines
People with Down syndrome and their eyes
Research demonstrates that people with Down s syndrome are at higher risk of having significant sight problems; many are correctable or treatable. Information can be slow to reach service providers and carers, and there are still many people with Down s syndrome not receiving regular eye checks or appropriate help for an eye condition.
When people do not have the necessary communication skills to explain to others that their eyes don t seem right there are many alternative ways that they may convey this. For example, they may show fear or distress in certain situations, adopt unusual head positions or avoid tasks that involve close work.
People with Down syndrome and their eyes
Medical Management Guideline - Vision
Dispensing bifocal spectacles to children (and adults) with Down’s syndrome
Q: Why prescribe bifocals to children with Down’s syndrome?
A: The majority (76%) of children with Down’s syndrome under-accommodate at near, as assessed by objective testing. Our research has shown that these children gain optical benefit from bifocal spectacles, i.e. improved near focusing.