Reduced accommodation in children with Down syndrome.

PURPOSE

To examine the accommodative accuracy and amplitude in children with Down syndrome. Accommodation is usually assumed to be good in children and is rarely measured.

METHODS

A dynamic retinoscopy technique was developed that allows rapid and reliable measures of accuracy and amplitude of accommodation in infants and children.

RESULTS

Use of the dynamic technique with a small sample of schoolchildren with Down syndrome shows that 80% have reduced amplitude of accommodation, in comparison to a control group of developmentally normal children.

CONCLUSIONS

Optometric management of children with Down syndrome should include consideration of accommodation.