Palpebral slant - eye

Answer 1

Definition

The palpebral slant is the direction of the slant of a line drawn from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner.

Alternative Names

Mongolian slant

Considerations

The palpebra are the upper and lower eyelids which, viewed together, make up the shape of the eye. A line drawn from the inner corner to the outer corner determines the slant of the eye, or palpebral slant. Slanting and a fold of skin (epicanthal fold) are normal in people of Asian descent.

Abnormal slanting of the eye may be associated with some genetic disorders and syndromes. The most common syndrome associated with an abnormal palpebral slant is Down syndrome. Persons with Down syndrome often also have an epicanthal fold in the inner corner of the eye.

Common Causes

Palpebral slant may not be associated with any other defect. However, in some cases, it may be due to:

• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Certain genetic disorders

Home Care

There is no special care for palpebral slant. Instead, you should treat the condition that is causing palpebral slant.

Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

• Your infant has abnormal facial features
• You are concerned about your infant's ability to move his or her eyes
• You notice any abnormal color, swelling, or discharge from the eyes

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and asked questions about the person's medical history and symptoms.

An infant with an abnormal palpebral slant generally has other symptoms and signs of a specific condition. Diagnosis of that condition will be based on a family history, medical history, and a thorough physical exam.

Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, x-rays, and metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm a suspected disorder.

Answer 2

Definition

The palpebral slant is the direction of the slant of a line drawn from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner.

Alternative Names

Mongolian slant

Considerations

The palpebra are the upper and lower eyelids, which make up the shape of the eye. A line drawn from the inner corner to the outer corner determines the slant of the eye, or palpebral slant. Slanting and a fold of skin (epicanthal fold) are normal in people of Asian descent.

Abnormal slanting of the eye may occur with some genetic disorders and syndromes. The most common of these syndromes is Down syndrome. Persons with Down syndrome often also have an epicanthal fold in the inner corner of the eye.

Common Causes

Palpebral slant may not be part of any other defect. However, in some cases, it may be due to:

• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Certain genetic disorders

Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

• Your infant has abnormal features of the face
• You are worried about your infant's ability to move his or her eyes
• You notice any abnormal color, swelling, or discharge from the eyes

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child's medical history and symptoms.

An infant with an abnormal palpebral slant will usually have other symptoms of another health condition. That condition will be diangosed based on a family history, medical history, and a physical exam.

Tests to confirm a disorder may include:

• Chromosome studies
• Enzymeassays
• Metabolic studies
• X-rays

Reviewed By

Review Date: 05/01/2011

Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.