eyes Symptoms in Marfan Syndrome

Eyes Symptoms

Nearsightedness

Most affected people will experience myopia or nearsightedness. This condition involves an eyeball that is either too long or a cornea that is too steep. The end result is that people can’t distinguish objects that are in the distance. Objects appear very blurry because the images don’t focus in the proper part of their eye.

Dislocated Lenses

Approximately 70 percent of individuals with Marfan Syndrome also experience dislocated lenses. One or both lenses may sit higher or lower than normal or they may shift to one side. One eye may also be worse than the other. This condition is very rare people who don’t suffer from the disorder.

Most people with Marfan Syndrome will experience dislocated lenses before they reach the age of 10. Although they are rarely born with the problem, babies as young as 3-4 months can experience dislocated lenses. Because the connective tissue in individuals with Marfan Syndrome is damaged, the tissue holding the lens can become weak or tear. The dislocation can be so severe that the lens of the eye may float freely within the cavity instead of remaining attached by connective tissue.

Some of the symptoms include mild or severe nearsightedness, blurry vision or an astigmatism which occurs when your eye is irregularly shaped like a football instead of being round. An ophthalmologist can confirm this condition using a slit-lamp eye exam that involves a specialized microscope.

Cataracts

Cataracts are another common condition with individuals with Marfan Syndrome. This condition occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and affects vision. This clouding of the lens is very common as people grow older. More than ½ of Americans over the age of 80 will suffer from cataracts. However, because of the weakened condition of the connective tissue, individuals with Marfan Syndrome will often develop cataracts at a much earlier age than normal. People as young as 40 can end up with cataracts.

Detached Retinas

Detached retinas are yet another common eye problem for individuals with Marfan Syndrome. Because individuals with this disorder have weaker connective tissue, the layer of cells holding their retina in place may eventually tear and detach from the retina.

Symptoms include the constant appearance of bright flashing lights, a glow, small specks called floaters or a shadow or blindness blocking a part of your vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should head to the hospital immediately.

Glaucoma

Many people with Marfan Syndrome will develop glaucoma at a very early age. This disease involves damage to the optic nerve of the eye and it occurs then normal fluid pressure inside the eye gradually increases. The disease is sometimes referred to as the “silent sight thief” because it is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Last updated: Feb 03, 2010

The eyes and Marfan Syndrome

Almost everyone diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome will encounter eye problems. This is why affected individuals should visit an eye doctor on a regular basis for thorough checkups. Some of the eye problems can be treated if they are diagnosed early enough.