Down's syndrome

Children and adults with Down's syndrome are much more likely to have eye defects than members of the general population.

If your child has Down's syndrome, they are more likely to have an eye problem than a child who does not have Down's syndrome - they are 10 times more likely to need to wear glasses and 7 times more likely to have a squint (eye turn). Our work has shown that the majority of children with Down's syndrome (about 73%) also have reduced accommodation (near focusing).

Our Down's Syndrome Research Unit has been following the visual and general development of children with Down's syndrome since 1992, and are keen to continue. If you have a child with Down's syndrome and you live in South Wales, you can get involved and help us understand:

• how and when eye defects arise
• what makes children with Down's syndrome more prone to eye defects
• the impact of the defects on learning and education and how these can be minimised
• how we should best manage the defects with spectacles
• how we might prevent the defects in future generations of children.

If you live further afield, we may be able to see your child for a clinical evaluation, or provide advice to you over the phone on +44 (0)29 2087 6163 or by email. You can also attend our clinic if you are an adult with Down's syndrome.