Stickler syndrome is a genetic disease, which affects collagen – the body’s connective tissue. Collagen is the main component of the cornea and the sclera (the white part of the eye).
People with this syndrome can experience different symptoms, including vision issues, hearing abnormalities and other anomalies. The scope and extent of problems vary for different people.
In addition to other health problems, children with Stickler syndrome can have issues with their eyes that are more common for the elderly. They are often born with serious myopia, which means that they can only see objects close to them. In addition, some children are born with cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye.
Children with syndrome of Stickler also can to develop глаукома.
The treatment of cataract in babies with Stickler syndrome varies according to the natural condition of each patient. Surgery is usually recommended early in life, but many factors can affect this condition, including the overall health of the baby and whether there is a cataract on one or both eyes. If the child has a cataract in both eyes, it is possible that the surgery will take place after years, or depending on the severity of the cataracts, it may never be necessary.
Glaucoma connected to Stickler syndrome is most often treated with medicated eye drops, even though surgery might also be necessary.
In cases of serious near-sightedness, the eyesight often can be easily to be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or sometimes with refractive surgery.