Palpebral slant - eye: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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

T Considerations
P The palpebral 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.
P 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.

T Causes
P 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

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P 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

T What to Expect at Your Office Visit
P Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your child's medical history and symptoms.
P An infant with an abnormal palpebral slant 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.
P Tests to confirm a disorder may include:
- Chromosome studies
- Enzyme assays
- Metabolic studies
- X-rays

T Alternative Names
P Mongolian slant

T Images
- Palpebral slant

T References
P Haldeman-Englert CR, Saitta SC, Zackai EH. Specific chromosome disorders in newborns. In: Gleason CA, Devaskar SU, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 20.
P Örge FH, Grigorian F. Examination and common problems of the neonatal eye. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 103.

T Review Date 4/24/2017
P Updated by: Liora C Adler, MD, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Joe DiMaggio Childeren's Hospital, Hollywood, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

