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Sumalini R, Satgunam P, Subramanian A, Conway M. Clinical Utility of ‘Peekaboo Vision’ Application for Measuring Grating Acuity in Children with Down Syndrome. Br Ir Orthopt J 2022; 18:18-26. [PMID: 35601243 PMCID: PMC9075052 DOI: 10.22599/bioj.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Referral thresholds for an integrated learning disability eye care pathway: a consensus approach. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:742-748. [PMID: 33833416 PMCID: PMC8956602 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Local Optometric Support Unit (LOCSU) have published their refreshed clinical pathway for eye care for people with a learning disability. The document sets out the adjustments to practice that a community optometrist might make in order to provide optimal care for a person with learning disability attending a primary eye care assessment. The pathway specifically points to the need to retain patients in primary care where appropriate and 'reduce the number of people with learning disability who are inappropriately referred into the Hospital Eye Service (HES).' Pivotal to this refreshed pathway is the integration with secondary care, with local arrangements to facilitate referral and hospital management where appropriate. There are few ophthalmologists nationally who frequently encounter patients with a learning disability in their hospital practice and knowing where to start when creating referral criteria or KPIs may create a barrier to services becoming established. In order to address this gap in experience, we set about developing a set of consensus statements regarding referral thresholds for ocular conditions commonly encountered in adults with learning disability. METHOD A series of video interviews were undertaken with eye health professionals with a range of experience in eye care for people with learning disability. Each contributor commented on the usability and clarity of each element of the referral criteria. In addition, each contributor was asked to express the overriding principles by which they make decisions regarding referral thresholds for patients with learning disability. These were collated into the final document which was circulated and agreed by all participants. RESULTS A table setting out referral thresholds for commonly encountered eye conditions in adults with learning disabilities is presented. CONCLUSION We have presented a succinct set of consensus statements relating referral thresholds for common presentations of visual problems in adults with learning disability in the UK distilled from the collective experience of a group of eye health professionals. The intention was not to present a comprehensive review of management of each condition. Rather, the consensus statements may form the starting point from which each area could develop locally agreed criteria, as is suggested by the LOCSU pathway guidance.
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Mathan JJ, Simkin SK, Gokul A, McGhee CNJ. Down syndrome and the eye: ocular characteristics and ocular assessment. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:1631-1646. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Zahidi AAA, McIlreavy L, Erichsen JT, Woodhouse JM. Visual and Refractive Status of Children With Down's Syndrome and Nystagmus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:28. [PMID: 35195683 PMCID: PMC8883157 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Children with Down's syndrome (DS) are known to have poorer visual acuity than neurotypical children. One report has shown that children with DS and nystagmus also have poor acuity when compared to typical children with nystagmus. What has not been established is the extent of any acuity deficit due to nystagmus and whether nystagmus affects refractive error within a population with DS. Methods Clinical records from the Cardiff University Down's Syndrome Vision Research Unit were examined retrospectively. Binocular visual acuity and refraction data were available for 50 children who had DS and nystagmus and 176 children who had DS but no nystagmus. Data were compared between the two groups and with published data for neurotypical children with nystagmus. Results The study confirms the deficit in acuity in DS, compared to neurotypical children, of approximately 0.2 logMAR and shows a deficit attributable to nystagmus of a further 0.2 logMAR beyond the first year of life. Children with both DS and nystagmus clearly have a significant additional impairment. Children with DS have a wide range of refractive errors, but nystagmus increases the likelihood of myopia. Prevalence and axis direction of astigmatism, on the other hand, appear unaffected by nystagmus. Conclusions Nystagmus confers an additional visual impairment on children with DS and must be recognized as such by families and educators. Children with both DS and nystagmus clearly need targeted support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma A A Zahidi
- Optometry Programme, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Lee McIlreavy
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan T Erichsen
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - J Margaret Woodhouse
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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One-year effects of bifocal and unifocal glasses on executive functions in children with Down syndrome in a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16893. [PMID: 34413362 PMCID: PMC8377071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate glasses can improve visual functioning of children with Down syndrome (DS), but it is unknown if such interventions influence their cognitive impairments. In a randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. Children with DS (2-16 years) were provided either bifocal glasses (add +2.5 Dioptres; n = 50) or unifocal glasses (n = 52). Executive functions were assessed pre- and post-intervention with the task-based Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS) and with questionnaires, BRIEF-P and BRIEF, parents' and teachers' version. Intervention effects and associations between executive functions, (near) vision and ocular alignment were analysed. Intervention improved MEFS-Total-scores in the bifocal group (p = 0.002; Cohen's d = 0.60) but not in the unifocal group (p = 0.191; Cohen's d = 0.24). Post-intervention, there was no intergroup difference (p = 0.120; Cohen's d = 0.34). Post-intervention, higher MEFS-scores were associated with better visual acuities (crowded near p = 0.025; uncrowded near p = 0.019; distant p = 0.045). Pre-post changes in MEFS-scores correlated significantly with improved ocular alignment (p = 0.040). Exploratory analysis of the questionnaires showed improved teacher-rated BRIEF-scores in both groups (bifocals: p = 0.014, Cohen's d = 1.91; unifocals: p = 0.022, Cohen's d = 1.46), with no intergroup difference (p = 0.594; Cohen's d = 0.23). These results demonstrate positive effects of wearing better-correcting glasses on executive functioning in children with DS, suggesting a link between their visual and executive functioning. However, the relative contributions of distant and near vision need further study.
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Postolache L, Monier A, Lhoir S. Neuro-Ophthalmological Manifestations in Children with Down Syndrome: Current Perspectives. Eye Brain 2021; 13:193-203. [PMID: 34321946 PMCID: PMC8311006 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s319817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome, caused by an extra copy of all or part of chromosome 21, is the most prevalent intellectual disability of genetic origin. Among numerous comorbidities which are part of the phenotype of individuals with Down syndrome, ocular problems appear to be highly prevalent. Neuro-ophthalmological manifestations, such as ocular alignment and motility disturbances, amblyopia, hypoaccommodation or optic nerve abnormalities, and other organic ocular anomalies frequently reported in Down syndrome, may lead to an overall decrease in visual acuity. Although numerous studies have reported ocular anomalies related to Down syndrome, it remains challenging to determine the impact of each anomaly upon the decreased visual acuity, as most such individuals have more than one ocular problem. Even in children with Down syndrome and no apparent ocular defect, visual acuity has been found to be reduced compared with typically developing children. Pediatric ophthalmological examination is a critical component of a multidisciplinary approach to prevent and treat ocular complications and improve the visual outcome in children with Down syndrome. This narrative review aims to provide a better understanding of the neuro-ophthalmological manifestations and discuss the current ophthalmological management in children with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Postolache
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Queen Fabiola University Children's Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Monier
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Queen Fabiola University Children's Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lhoir
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Queen Fabiola University Children's Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Wilton GJ, Woodhouse R, Vinuela-Navarro V, England R, Woodhouse JM. Behavioural Features of Cerebral Visual Impairment Are Common in Children With Down Syndrome. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:673342. [PMID: 34194306 PMCID: PMC8236883 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.673342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely recognised that children with Down syndrome have a broad range and a high prevalence of visual deficits and it has been suggested that those with Down syndrome are more likely to exhibit visual perception deficits indicative of cerebral visual impairment. This exploratory study aims to determine the prevalence of behavioural features suggestive of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) occurring with Down syndrome and whether the visual problems can be ascribed to optometric factors. A cohort of 226 families of children with Down syndrome (trisomy 21), aged 4–17, were invited to participate in a validated question inventory, to recognise visual perception issues. The clinical records of the participants were then reviewed retrospectively. A five-question screening instrument was used to indicate suspected CVI. The majority of the 81 families who responded to the questionnaire reported some level of visual perceptual difficulty in their child. Among this cohort, the prevalence of suspected CVI as indicated by the screening questionnaire was 38%. Only ametropia was found to have a significant association with suspected CVI, although this increased the correct prediction of suspected CVI outcome by only a small amount. Results suggest that children with Down syndrome are more likely to experience problems consistent with cerebral visual impairment, and that these may originate from a similar brain dysfunction to that which contributes to high levels of ametropia and failure to emmetropise. It is important that behavioural features of CVI are recognised in children with Down syndrome, further investigations initiated and appropriate management applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma J Wilton
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rhodri Woodhouse
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Valldeflors Vinuela-Navarro
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Optometry and Vision Science Research Group, Optometry School, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel England
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - J Margaret Woodhouse
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Differences between children with Down syndrome and typically developing children in adaptive behaviour, executive functions and visual acuity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7602. [PMID: 33828124 PMCID: PMC8027651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In children with Down syndrome (DS) development of visual, motor and cognitive functions is atypical. It is unknown whether the visual impairments in children with DS aggravate their lag in cognitive development. Visual impairment and developmental lags in adaptive behaviour and executive functions were assessed in 104 children with DS, 2–16 years, by comparing their adaptive behaviour, executive functions and visual acuity (distant and near) scores against published age-matched norm scores of typically developing children. Associations between these lags were explored. Mean (± SEM) differences to age-matched norms indicated reduced performance in DS: Vineland Screener questionnaire, − 63 ± 3.8 months; task-based Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS), − 46.09 ± 2.07 points; BRIEF-P questionnaire, 25.29 ± 4.66 points; BRIEF parents’ and teachers’ questionnaire, 17.89 ± 3.92 points and 40.10 ± 3.81 points; distant and near visual acuity, 0.51 ± 0.03 LogMAR and 0.63 ± 0.03 LogMAR (near − 0.11 ± 0.04 LogMAR poorer than distant). Adaptive behaviour (Vineland-S) correlated with the severity of visual impairment (r = − 0.396). Children with DS are severely impaired in adaptive behaviour, executive functions and visual acuities (near visual acuity more severely impaired than distant visual acuity). Larger impairment in adaptive behaviour is found in children with larger visual impairment. This supports the idea that visual acuity plays a role in adaptive development.
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Harrison A, Allen L, O'Connor A. Strabismus Surgery for Esotropia, Down Syndrome and Developmental Delay; Is an Altered Surgical Dose Required? A Literature Review. Br Ir Orthopt J 2020; 16:4-12. [PMID: 32999987 PMCID: PMC7510400 DOI: 10.22599/bioj.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: There is a high rate of strabismus, in particular esotropia, in children with Down syndrome or developmental delay, which frequently requires surgical correction. A paper in 1994 advocated that the surgical dose be adjusted due to an altered response in these children. The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the available evidence to establish whether an altered surgical approach is required in either population. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Knowledge. Only English language papers were eligible for inclusion. The papers were collated in chronological order for analysis, and their references searched for further relevant papers. Forward citation searches were also undertaken. Results: A 2 × 2 comparison is made between publications on Down syndrome (in isolation) and developmental delay populations (including Down syndrome) with adjusted versus non-adjusted surgery. Published surgical success rates on esotropia from unaltered surgical doses range from 62.0%–85.7% (four papers) in the Down syndrome cohort, with none of the adjusted surgeries having a successful outcome. Surgical success rates from adjusted surgical doses in developmental delay cohort range from 37.5%–86.0% (seven papers), with one unadjusted surgical success rate of 76.0%. The results across the studies are summarised in a table and discussed. Conclusions: An exaggerated surgical effect in individuals with developmental delay has been reported, and this population may benefit from a reduced surgical dose. Published research does not support giving a reduced surgical dose in individuals with Down syndrome, but more research needs to be done to make a definitive conclusion.
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Weger C, Boonstra N, Goossens J. Effects of bifocals on visual acuity in children with Down syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97:378-393. [PMID: 30367541 PMCID: PMC6587837 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Children with Down syndrome (DS) typically have reduced visual acuity (VA) and accommodation lag, but it is unclear whether prescribed glasses should correct both distance VA (DVA) and near VA (NVA) due to the lack of RCTs. We therefore conducted a multicentre RCT to compare the effects of bifocals designed to correct both DVA and NVA with distance‐correcting unifocal glasses in children with DS. Methods A total of 119 children with DS, aged 2–16, were randomly allocated for bifocal or unifocal glasses (with full correction of refraction error in cycloplegia) in 14 Dutch hospitals and followed during 1 year. VA data were analysed in relation to baseline VA with ancova. Results Treatment groups showed no differences at baseline. Shortly after receiving new corrections (~6 weeks), uncrowded NVA (bifocals 0.18 ± 0.33 LogMar; unifocals 0.09 ± 0.19 LogMar) and crowded NVA with bifocals (bifocals 0.13 ± 0.36 LogMar; unifocals 0.08 ± 0.33 LogMar) were significantly better than at baseline, but these short‐term improvements in NVA were not significantly different between the two treatments (p > 0.151). The 1‐year treatment differences were as follows: significantly larger improvement for bifocals compared to unifocals in both uncrowded NVA (bifocals 0.23 ± 0.29 LogMar, unifocals 0.12 ± 0.30 LogMar, p = 0.045) and crowded NVA (bifocals 0.31 ± 0.28 LogMar; unifocals 0.16 ± 0.30 LogMar, p = 0.017). Improvements in DVA were comparable (bifocals 0.07 ± 0.21 LogMar, unifocals 0.08 ± 0.22 LogMar, p = 0.565). Children with poor baseline VA improved more. Accommodation lag stayed unchanged. Conclusion After one year, bifocals with full correction of ametropia led to significantly larger improvement of both uncrowded NVA and crowded NVA in children with DS with accommodation lag compared to unifocals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Weger
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Bartiméus Institute for the Visually Impaired Zeist The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Boonstra
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Royal Dutch Visio National Foundation for the Visually Impaired and Blind Huizen The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Goossens
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
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Purpura G, Bacci GM, Bargagna S, Cioni G, Caputo R, Tinelli F. Visual assessment in Down Syndrome: The relevance of early visual functions. Early Hum Dev 2019; 131:21-28. [PMID: 30818135 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with Down Syndrome (DS) have a high prevalence of ocular disorders, and even when ophthalmological deficits (i.e. refractive errors or strabismus) are corrected, visual acuity seems to have a different developmental trend compared to typical children. Unfortunately, there is no consensus about the age at which it is fundamental to perform a first comprehensive visual assessment in this population. AIMS We analyzed early visual functions in a sample of 42 Italian children with DS, in order to achieve new insights for early surveillance and intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS DS children were evaluated with the Early Neurovisual Assessment, including Teller Acuity Cards (at 6, 12 and 18 months of age) and the Pediatric Ophthalmological Examination (within the 36th months of age). RESULTS Visual acuity in our sample was lower than findings reported in the literature on healthy Italian children, but the values were within the confidence interval reported in previous studies on DS children. Moderate or severe refractive errors (> 3diopters) were present in five children (four had hyperopia and one myopia). Abnormalities in ocular motility were observed in 15 children and pathological findings for fundus oculi or lens were found in another eight. Furthermore, ophthalmological findings correlated with visual acuity at 18 months of age. CONCLUSION According to our results, the Early Neurovisual Assessment at 18 months of life is a reliable tool for early detection of visual disorders in children with DS and it is useful for programming early intervention to promote their neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Purpura
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Bargagna
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Tinelli
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
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