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Palpebral slant - eye

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Definition:

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

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 inner corner to outer corner determines the slant of the eye, or palpebral slant. Slanting and retention of the epicanthal fold are normal in persons of Asian descent.

Abnormal slanting of the eye may be associated with some genetic disorders and syndromes. The most commonly recognized syndrome associated with an abnormal palpebral slant is Down syndrome . A fold of skin (epicanthal fold) is often also present in the inner corner of the eye in Down syndrome.

Common Causes:

• Isolated incidence (not associated with any other defect)
• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol syndrome  
• Other genetic disorders

• Review Date: 10/27/2005
• Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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