What Does Epicanthal Folds?

An epicanthal fold is a skin fold

of the upper eyelid covering the inner corner of the eye. It is often seen as a normal finding in very young children and is also common in people of Asiatic decent. An epicanthal fold can be an important diagnostic finding in conditions such as Down syndrome.

Are Epicanthal folds hereditary?

The skin fold might cover part of the nasal sclera and, therefore, cause pseudoesotropia, that is, the eye appears to be crossed. The genetic basis for epicanthus is not well known, but is associated with several syndromes, including Down's syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Zellweger syndrome.

Why do Down syndrome have slanted eyes?

Slanting and a fold of skin (epicanthal fold) are normal in people of Asian descent. 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.