Epicanthal folds

Plica palpebronasalis

Epicanthal folds may be normal for people of Asiatic descent and some non-Asian infants. Epicanthal folds also may be seen in young children of any race before the bridge of the nose begins to rise.

However, the may also be due to certain medical conditions, including:

• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Turner syndrome
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Williams syndrome
• Noonan syndrome
• Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
• Blepharophimosis syndrome

In most cases, no home care needed.

This trait is most often found before or during the first well-baby exam. Call your health care provider if you notice epicanthal folds on your child's eyes and the reason for their presence is unknown.

The provider will examine the child and ask questions about the medical history and symptoms. Questions may include:

• Do any family members have Down syndrome or other genetic disorder?
• Is there a family history of intellectual disability or birth defects?

A child who is not Asian and is born with epicanthal folds may be examined for additional signs of Down syndrome or other genetic disorders.