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.