Are there any specific eye conditions related to people with learning disabilities?
People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have eye conditions. They may not know they have sight loss or be unable to explain or to tell you. There are a number of specific eye conditions common in people with learning disabilities including:
Down's syndrome
Is a condition where someone is born with an extra chromosome. People with Down’s syndrome will have some level of learning disability and are more likely to have sight loss. They may need strong glasses and separate distance and reading glasses from childhood (this affects up to 80 per cent of people with Down’s syndrome). They may also be more likely to have Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis, a squint, Glaucoma and keratoconus and are more likely to have cataracts at a younger age.
Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVIs)
Are brain related and common in children and some adults who have learning disabilities. Some people with CVIs have good vision when measured on a letter or picture chart – their vision is sharp – but they can’t use their vision properly to do everyday tasks. This is called having poor functional vision.
Further information can be found on the SeeAbility, CVI Society and CVI Scotland websites.
Easy to read guides about various eye conditions can be found on the SeeAbility website.
