Symptoms of Stickler Syndrome
Symptoms of Stickler syndrome are often very different from person to person. Some people with Stickler syndrome have several symptoms, but each symptom may vary in severity. Others suffering from the condition may have no symptoms at all.The following signs and symptoms are associated with Stickler syndrome:
- Flat facial features - People with this condition often have obvious facial abnormalities, including underdeveloped facial bones in the middle of the face, bridge of the nose and cheekbones.
- Pierre Robin sequence - This is a group of birth defects that may include a cleft palate, small jaw, and a larger than normal tongue that falls back toward the throat.
- Eye problems - People with Stickler syndrome are often very nearsighted. High eye pressure is often a problem, sometimes leading to a higher risk of developing glaucoma and retinal detachment. Cataracts also seem to be a common development in Stickler syndrome patients.
- Hearing problems - Hearing loss is often a problem that becomes worse over time.
- Bone and joint problems - The joints of children affected by Stickler syndrome are often very loose and flexible, and scoliosis is sometimes a problem. The fingers are often longer than normal, and arthritis often develops at an early age.
Causes of Stickler Syndrome
Stickler syndrome can be passed along from a parent carrying the gene, but sometimes the disease develops on its own. Low amounts of collagen molecules or defective collagen molecules are thought to contribute to the formation of the condition.Treatment of Stickler Syndrome
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Stickler syndrome. Because the condition can affect the body in so many ways, it is likely that many doctors and specialists will be involved in treatment.Stickler Syndrome and Vision Loss
People with Stickler syndrome often suffer from vision loss and even blindness. Reduced vision is usually related to the development of glaucoma, cataracts and retinal problems. Most eye doctors recommend polycarbonate lenses for Stickler syndrome patients, especially children. Polycarbonate lenses are made of a material that is safer and more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses. They provide a higher level of protection for all children but because these patients are prone to retinal problems, it is even more important.Eyeglasses for the Stickler Syndrome Patient
Because many people with Stickler syndrome have underdeveloped facial bones in the middle of the face, bridge of the nose and cheekbones, it is important to find an optician who will spend quality time assisting patients in picking an eyeglass frame that will fit properly. The optician should have ample experience in adjusting and fitting frames on these types of faces. Stickler syndrome patients tend to have flat bridges across their noses and will be more comfortable in frames that offer adjustable nose pads. This will allow the optician to adjust the frame and lens so that they do not rub against the cheeks.Children and Stickler Syndrome
Because children with Stickler syndrome are sometimes very nearsighted, it is important that you find an optician who understands vertex distance. Vertex distance is simply the distance between your child's eyes and the lenses. This small distance can profoundly affect the power that a particular lens delivers to the eye. Ordinarily this is not a critical measurement, but with highly nearsighted children, the vertex distance plays a much more important role.Source:
Gibb, Joy L. Children’s Visual Disorders and Eyewear Solutions, Understanding Children’s Eye Wear, a supplement to Vision Care Product News, June 2011.
