Use of bifocal spectacles with children with Down's syndrome.

Title
In focus: the use of bifocal spectacles with children with Down's syndrome.
Source
Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics. 25(6):514-22, 2005 Nov.



PURPOSE:

Over 75% of children with Down's syndrome fail to accommodate accurately on near targets. This deficit must result in optically blurred images for near work. This present study set out to evaluate the controlled use of bifocal spectacles as an aid to near focusing. Although sometimes used clinically, no systematic studies of bifocals for children with Down's syndrome have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bifocals confer benefit to children with Down's syndrome who under-accommodate, both directly (better focusing through the bifocal) and indirectly (by encouraging improved accommodation through the distance part of the lens). Based on the results of this study, eye examinations of children with Down's syndrome should routinely include a measure of accommodation at near, and bifocal spectacles should be considered for those who show under-accommodation.