Stickler Disease Specialist

What is Stickler disease?

Sticker disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects collagen. It causes problems with vision, hearing, and joints. Collagen is one of the primary parts of the cornea and sclera (white part of the eye). It’s usually diagnosed in infants and very young children.

The genetic mutation that causes Stickler disease can be passed from parent to child. It’s also possible for a child to develop Stickler disease because of a new change in their genes rather than a family history of the disease.

What are the symptoms of Stickler disease?

Children who have Stickler disease usually have distinctive features, including prominent eyes, receding chins, and cleft palates. The condition causes a variety of hearing, vision, and joint problems. Many children with Stickler disease have extreme myopia (nearsightedness). Other common eye issues include:

Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the proteins in the lenses of your eyes break down and make the lenses filmy. This interferes with the way light focuses on your retina and causes blurry vision, decreased color vision, and sensitivity to light.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma develops when the pressure in your eye increases and puts pressure on the retina and optic nerve. Glaucoma can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Retinal detachment

Children with Stickler disease have an increased risk of retinal detachment, a condition that occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and can cause blindness.

How is Stickler disease diagnosed?

To diagnose Stickler disease, your child’s doctor reviews their medical history, completes a physical exam and hearing tests, and might use imaging procedures to evaluate spine and joint damage. 

To detect eye and vision problems associated with Stickler disease, Retina Consultants Ltd. ophthalmologists complete vision tests and comprehensive dilated eye exams to check for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

How does an ophthalmologist treat Stickler disease?

The ophthalmologists at Retina Consultants Ltd. collaborate with your child’s other health care providers to deliver customized services to protect your child’s eye health and vision. For example, if your child develops cataracts, they can help manage the condition and provide an intraocular lens transplant when necessary.

The ophthalmologists also prescribe medicated eye drops to treat glaucoma and can do surgery to repair detached retinas. Your ophthalmologist can also prescribe corrective lenses, vision therapy, and surgery to address severe nearsightedness.

If your child has Stickler disease, call Retina Consultants Ltd. or make an appointment online today for expert eye care and treatment.