Why are Down syndrome eyes different?
This may be due to myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and/or astigmatism. Refractive error may develop early in life or later on. Strabismus – Between 20% and 60% of individuals with Down syndrome have eyes that are misaligned (strabismus).
What causes the facial features of Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.
What is the difference between Mosaic Down syndrome and Down syndrome?
Doctors and researchers use the term “mosaicism” to describe a mix of cells in the body. While people with the more common trisomy 21 Down syndrome have an extra chromosome in all of their cells, people with mosaic Down syndrome only have the extra chromosome in some cells.
Why do Down syndrome have bad teeth?
MALOCCLUSION is found in most people with Down syndrome because of the delayed eruption of permanent teeth and the underdevelopment of the maxilla. A smaller maxilla contributes to an open bite, leading to poor positioning of teeth and increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease and dental caries.
Do people with Down syndrome have bad teeth?
People with Down syndrome may have small teeth, which can cause spacing between the teeth. They also tend to have a small upper jaw. This may cause crowding of the teeth and may result in the permanent teeth being “impacted” because there is no room in the mouth for them to come in.
Why do people with Down syndrome have a slanted eye?
Abnormal slanting of the eye may occur with some genetic disorders and syndromes. The most common of these is Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome often also have an epicanthal fold in the inner corner of the eye.
Why do people with Down Syndrome need eyeglasses?
Dr. Ledoux: In addition to the need for eyeglasses, many children with Down syndrome have tear duct abnormalities. Family members will notice this as frequent discharge and tearing from the eyes, worsened by colds.
What do people with Down Syndrome look like?
Ears: The ears in individuals with Down syndrome can be smaller and the tops may slightly fold over. The ears set slightly lower on the head. Neck:Some individuals with Down syndrome (like my daughter) have a “thicker” neck, or what appears to be an excess of skin on the neck.
Can a person with Down syndrome have cataracts?
Eye disease is reported in over half of patients with Down Syndrome, from less severe problems such as tear duct abnormalities to vision threatening diagnoses such as early age cataracts. Particular attention should be given to vision in people with Down syndrome. What is Different About the Eyes in Individuals with Down Syndrome?