March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. And it’s the day when people wake up about Down syndrome. It’s not a very common malfunction. But according to the United Nations, about 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosomal abnormality every year worldwide. Down syndrome affects growth and impaired functioning of many organs, including the eyes. Read on to find out the link between Down syndrome in children and vision problems.
HealthShots connects with Dr Amit Gupta, Consultant Pediatrics.
Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad to find out about Down syndrome.
What is Down syndrome?
It is a congenital condition that is caused by a chromosomal abnormality and is present before birth. Dr. Gupta said it was something we could not control. However, it can be detected early before the birth of the child. During the visit to the gynecologist Provide detailed family history disclosures. In the event of a direct relationship to any abnormality Your obstetrician will decide which prophylactic tests can be performed. The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases if the mother is over 35 years old.
Do children with Down syndrome always need glasses?
Down syndrome affects the growth of various organs. And it can cause those organs, such as the eyes, to malfunction. However, you cannot assume that a child with Down syndrome will have eye problems. experts say Children with Down syndrome are more prone to visual problems. But not all children need to wear glasses.
Eye problems in children with Down syndrome include:
- Refractive error It will be present in as many as 50 to 80 percent of these children, experts say. Most of them have astigmatism or nearsightedness. which these children may need to wear glasses to correct
- Other people may have strabismus problems.
- There may be eyelid problems, such as an upward slant of the eyelid or an additional epicantal fold near the nose. (when the skin of the upper eyelid covers the inner corner of the eye)
- Few children may have a pulsating eye called nystagmus.
- Some people lose vision in one or both eyes.
- There is also the possibility of cataracts. retinal abnormalities and abnormalities of the optic nerve that can add to the problem.
Not 100 percent of children with Down syndrome will need eye treatment or glasses. But that’s not when you grow up. Congenital disease can affect their eyes.
Children with vision problems or who already wear glasses will need regular eye exams and follow up with a doctor.
The following are also helpful –
• Apply regular eye drops.
• Eye hygiene.
• glasses
Doctors avoid introducing lenses to children with Down syndrome until they are properly trained or have an understanding of how to use lenses properly.
Other problems faced by children with Down syndrome
The eyes are not the only organ affected by Down syndrome. Dr Gupta said one in three children will also have some degree of heart problems. Children with Down syndrome are slow to learn and this affects their growth potential. Their weight gain slowed down. But the best part is that children with Down syndrome are naturally happier. and most of them like music
Mothers struggle to accept this problem. But the sooner they exclude it. However, some things, such as exercise, may help children with Down syndrome. Yoga can help children with Down syndrome improve their quality of life.
The fact remains that children with Down syndrome need special care. And it is not easy to maintain them as they are very delicate. That’s why family support is so important.
