Unmet Visual Needs of Children with down Syndrome in an African Population: Implications for Visual and Cognitive Development:

PurposeTO determine the magnitude and types of ocular disorders in children with Down syndrome in an African population and to assess to what extent these visual needs have been met.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of children with Down syndrome attending a school for the mentally challenged in Southeastern Nigeria. Visual acuity, ocular examination, and cycloplegic refraction were done on all cooperative participants. Information was sought from parents/caregivers to ascertain previous ocular treatment/spectacle usage.ResultsA total of 30 children with Down syndrome aged 5–15 years were examined. Uncorrected refractive errors were detected in 76.4% of them. Other lesions included mongoloid slant (53.5%), strabismus (33.3%), ptosis (33.3%), nystagmus (13.3%), and cataract (3.3%). None of the children with refractive errors had ever worn spectacles.ConclusionsRefractive error is a common finding in this population. There is a high unmet visual need in these children. This may have implications for vi...