Refractive error, binocular vision and accommodation of children with Down syndrome.
BACKGROUND
In this review of the visual development of children with Down syndrome we were specifically interested in how refractive error, binocular alignment and accommodation are different in Down syndrome from the general population. The differences and their aetiology will help practitioners make informed decisions about the visual assessment and management of these children.


METHODS
Articles found using searches through Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar were evaluated by examining sample sizes, appropriate use of controls, methods of measurement and statistical significance of findings. Where the strength of evidence in an article might be weak, this is reported in the review.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of the visual and oculomotor systems is substantially different in Down syndrome compared with the general population. Assessment and optometric management of this special population need to be directed accordingly.
New Zealand National Eye Centre, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Tanisha
T
Watt
Kenneth
K
Robertson
Robert John
RJ
Jacobs
D000065:Accommodation, Ocular; D002648:Child; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015348:Vision, Binocular
Down syndrome; accommodation; binocular vision; children; refractive error; vision