Stickler's syndrome is a genetic condition that causes vision and hearing problems, as well as skeletal changes. It is most commonly diagnosed in infants and children.
Symptoms of Stickler's syndrome can vary from person to person, and it is common for individuals to have only a few. The most common symptoms are:
The Stickler Syndrome is caused by the mutation of a gene that is responsible for the formation of collagen, a fibrous protein that connects and supports tissues such as skin, muscle, and bone. In the case of this syndrome, the collagen responsible for the production of cartilage and the gelatinous substance inside the eyes is affected.
There is no treatment for Stickler's syndrome, but some specific symptoms can be treated. Plastic surgery can be used to treat some symptoms associated with facial deformities, for instance. Similarly, changes in the ability to hear can be corrected by using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
