Vision Therapy for Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a disorder caused by a duplication of part or all of the 21st chromosome. The extra genetic material leads to physical and developmental issues in people who have the condition.

People who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS) typically have a higher risk of vision issues which can affect the development of important visual skills.

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How do Vision Issues Impact Children with Down Syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, over 60 percent of children with Down Syndrome have vision problems. They also tend to be in the higher range of astigmatism (both regarding far-sightedness and near-sightedness), and often require special lenses. But even with the assistance of corrective lenses, reduced visual skills in other areas can negatively impact the overall quality of their vision.

When Should an Eye Exam be Conducted?

Due to the numerous ways in which Down Syndrome can impact the development of the eyes and visual skills,it is important for children with this condition to have regular comprehensive eye exams starting from when they are 6 months old.

Due to the fact that conducting eye exams on children with Down Syndrome can be more difficult, it is a good idea to choose an optometrist who has experience working with children who have down Syndrome or other developmental issues.

What Sort of Vision Problems are Experienced by People with Down Syndrome?

There are a wide range of vision issues which can affect people with Down Syndrome at higher rates than the general population. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, the most common visual condition associated with Down Syndrome is Strabismus affecting 20%-60% of people with Down Syndrome.

Other visual conditions include:

Strabismus-Misalignment of the eyes
Amblyopia- One eye is weaker than the other
Refractive errors- Poor visual acuity from Myopia, Presbyopia and Astigmatism
Cataracts- Hazing of the lens
Glaucoma- Damage to the optic nerve
Keratoconus- Damage to the structure of the cornea
Nystagmus- Repetitive uncontrolled eye movements
Blepharitis & Conjunctivitis- Conditions that cause red, itchy, watery eyes

How are Vision Problems Detected in Down Syndrome Patients?

It can be a challenge to detect vision issues in people with Down Syndrome, largely because they are unlikely to complain about the issues or may not realize there is a problem. For this reason, it is important that parents and other caregivers pay attention to signs that may indicate a vision issue, and bring them up with a developmental optometrist. Due to the high prevalence of strabismus in this population it is highly recommended that all people with Down Syndrome schedule a developmental eye exam.

Symptoms to look out for include:

Squinting
Difficulty reading
Blurry vision
Sitting too close to screens
Head tilting
Closing one eye
Poor hand-eye coordination
Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
Tearing or discharge from the eyes
Sensitivity to light
Crossed or wandering eyes

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How Does Treatment Work?

Following the developmental eye exam, our developmental eye doctor will formulate a personalized vision therapy treatment plan designed to address any vision issues detected. The treatment process includes exercises designed to help develop and improve vision skills, as well as the use of specialized vision devices. Additionally, if the patient has a severe enough astigmatism to also need corrective lenses, those can be provided.

Vision therapy works to enhance vision skills, which include:

Eye movement
Eye alignment
Eye focusing
Eye teaming
Visual processing

We understand that it can be more difficult to work with a child who has Down Syndrome. Our staff has experience working with special needs children, so we can provide them with the best possible care.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Length of treatment varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s vision issues. Treatment can run as little as a few weeks, or many months. Our doctor will be able to give you an estimate following the developmental vision exam.

Find an Amplify Practice in Your Area

Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.

Visit a Vision Therapy eye doctor at an Amplify EyeCare practice near you:

Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita in Santa Clarita, California
Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach in Bellflower, California
Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, Tennessee
American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, Washington

Common Questions

How can I improve my eye contact with Down syndrome?

Individuals with Down syndrome may sometimes find maintaining eye contact challenging. To enhance eye contact, it's essential to approach it with patience and consistency. Vision therapy, facilitated by an optometrist, can offer tailored exercises and strategies to improve visual tracking and focusing. These exercises may help in enhancing eye contact over time. Additionally, a functional eye exam is recommended to rule out any underlying visual problems that may be influencing the ability to maintain eye contact. Building trust and practicing in comfortable settings can also make a significant difference.

How does Down syndrome cause cataracts?

Down syndrome is associated with various health issues, including certain eye conditions. While Down syndrome doesn't directly cause cataracts, individuals with this syndrome have a higher prevalence of developing cataracts at a younger age than the general population. The exact reason for this increased risk isn't entirely understood, but it is believed to be related to the genetic changes that accompany Down syndrome. If someone with Down syndrome starts showing signs of visual disturbances, it's crucial to see an eye doctor immediately. Early detection and intervention can offer better outcomes and maintain optimal vision.

Summary

Down Syndrome is a condition which impacts a child’s development in many ways, and people with Down Syndrome often suffer from vision issues which may be hard to detect, given the nature of the condition. Once the problems are detected, however, vision therapy is an effective method of treatment to improve their quality of life. If your child was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and is showing symptoms of a vision issue, contact us today to schedule a developmental eye exam. To schedule a developmental eye exam, you can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.