Ocular Manifestations of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Abstract

Infants born to alcoholic women can have a characteristic pattern of birth defects, the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Clinically, the diagnosis of FAS must include central nervous system dysfunction, linear growth deficiency before and after birth and under development of the mid-face, especially the eyes. These findings are variable and may be subclinical. Microcephaly with microphthalmia, sunken nasal bridge, hypoplasia of the maxilla and philtrum contribute to the unusual facial appearance of FAS children. Ophthalmologic findings in FAS may include ptosis and blepharophimosis, palpebral fissure anomalies, tortuosity of retinal vessels, optic nerve hypoplasia and strabismus. Education about FAS has been shown to decrease alcohol use during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are in the key position to provide this education, and to prevent damage in subsequent siblings of a diagnosed index case.

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
• prenatal alcohol exposure
• steep corneal curvature
• optic nerve hypoplasia
• tortuosity of retinal vessels