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Medical Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia -> Symptoms -> P -> Palpebral slant - eye

Palpebral slant - eye

Alternate Names: Mongolian slant; Downward slant; Upward slant; Anti-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 corner to corner determines the slant of the eye (palpebral slant).

In non-Orientals, the eyes are normally horizontal. In Orientals, the eyes normally have some upward slant.

Abnormal slanting of the eye may be associated with some genetic disorders and syndromes. An upward slant (mongolian slant) refers to a line that is lower on the nasal side of the eye and slant upward toward the sides of the head.

A downward slant (anti-mongolian slant) refers to a line that is higher on the nasal side of the eye and slants downward toward the sides of the head.

The most commonly recognized (by the general public) syndrome associated with an abnormal palpebral slant is Down’s syndrome. This disorder is associated with an upward slant, and also a fold of skin (epicanthal fold) is present in the inner corner of the eye.

Common Causes:

Home Care: There is no special care for this sign. Instead, care must be appropriate for the particular condition of which an abnormal palpebral slant is a sign.

Call If:

  • your infant has abnormal facial features.

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting palpebral slant may include:

  • What is the slant (upward or downward)?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
Physical examination may include:
An infant with an abnormal palpebral slant generally has other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition will be based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:
Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, and metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of an unusual palpebral slant, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Disclaimer: The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

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