The Effect of Bifocals in Children With Down Syndrome

The Effect of Bifocals in Children With Down Syndrome

Visual acuity at near improves in children with Down syndrome using bifocals

The accommodation is consistently reduced in 50 to 100% of children with Down syndrome and does not improve with age.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS)
• Accommodation lag >0.5 Dioptres for children with DS <12 years and >0.75 Dioptres for children older than age 12 or Visual acuity at near is worse than at distance and >0.1
• Age range 2-14 years
• Speaks Dutch as the first language
• Must be verbal or able to understand instructions
• Must be able to perform a task sitting on a chair and working at a table

Exclusion Criteria:

• Visual acuity at near < 0.1
• Not able to do vision tests at age over 5
• Has worn bifocals already
• Other significant eye diseases, such as keratoconus, cataract or high myopia (>S-6.00).
• Diagnoses of any neurological, sensory or behavioural disorders such as autism, microcephaly or significant hearing loss.
• Prematurity, born premature after a pregnancy term less than 36 weeks
• Born after severe perinatal problems