Palpebral slant - eye
Mongolian slantThe palpebral slant is the direction of the slant of a line that goes from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner.
Considerations
The word palpebral refers to the upper and lower eyelids, which help determine 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.
Epicanthal fold
An epicanthal fold is skin of the upper eyelid that covers the inner corner of the eye. The fold runs from nose to the inner side of the eyebrow....
Abnormal slanting of the eye may occur with some genetic disorders and syndromes. The most common of these is Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome often also have an epicanthal fold in the inner corner of the eye.
Causes
Palpebral slant may not be due to any defect. However, in some cases, it may be due to:
- Down syndrome
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of growth, mental, and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pr...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if:
- Your infant has abnormal features of the face
- You are worried about your infant's ability to move their eyes
- You notice any abnormal color, swelling, or discharge from your infant's eyes
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your child's medical history and symptoms.
An infant with an abnormal palpebral slant that is due to a problem will usually have other symptoms of another health condition. That condition will be diagnosed based on a family history, medical history, and a physical exam.
Tests to confirm a disorder may include:
- Chromosome studies
Chromosome studies
Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells. This test can help identify genetic problems as the cause of a disorder or diseas...
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Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat so the body can use them....
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- X-rays
X-rays
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...
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References
Kataguiri P, Kenyon KR. Corneal and external eye manifestations of systemic disease. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.25.
Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.
Orge FH. Examination and common problems in the neonatal eye. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 95.
Slavotinek AM. Dysmorphology. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 128.
Palpebral slant - illustration
The direction of the slant of a line drawn from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner is known as the palpebral slant. The most commonly recognized syndrome associated with an abnormal palpebral slant is Down syndrome.
Palpebral slant
illustration
Review Date: 4/25/2023
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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