Our Summary

Stickler syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s collagen, the protein that provides structure to the body’s tissues. This condition is the most common hereditary cause of issues with the retina, the part of the eye that senses light, in children. These issues can include tears in the retina and even the retina detaching from the back of the eye.

In this study, researchers looked at the long-term results of surgeries to treat these eye issues in children with Stickler syndrome. The study involved nine children who had surgery between 2004 and 2021.

The researchers found that in most cases, the surgeries were successful in reattaching the retina. However, on average, each eye needed 2.3 surgeries. The surgeries used different techniques, including a method that freezes the retina (cryopexy), a method that involves placing a band around the eye (scleral buckling), and a method that involves removing the vitreous, a gel-like substance in the eye, and replacing it with silicone oil (vitrectomy).

The study concluded that treating eye issues in patients with Stickler syndrome often requires multiple surgeries and long-term care. The patients’ vision after the surgeries ranged from poor to normal.

FAQs

  1. What is Stickler syndrome and how does it affect the eyes?
  2. What types of surgical techniques were used in the study to treat eye issues in children with Stickler syndrome?
  3. What were the long-term results of the surgeries performed on children with Stickler syndrome in this study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing retinal surgery for Stickler syndrome is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding activities that could strain the eyes, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure the best possible outcome and maintain the health of their retinas in the long term.

Suitable For

Patients with Stickler syndrome or other genetic disorders that affect the retina are typically recommended for retinal surgery. These patients may experience issues such as retinal tears, retinal detachment, and other abnormalities that require surgical intervention to prevent vision loss or improve vision. The surgeries may involve techniques such as cryopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Long-term care and follow-up may also be necessary to monitor and manage any ongoing issues with the retina.

Timeline

  • Before retinal surgery: Patients with Stickler syndrome may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, and in severe cases, a detached retina. These symptoms may lead to a diagnosis of retinal issues that require surgery.

  • During retinal surgery: The patient undergoes a surgical procedure to reattach the retina using techniques such as cryopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy. The surgery aims to restore the structure and function of the retina and prevent further vision loss.

  • After retinal surgery: Patients may need to undergo multiple surgeries to fully reattach the retina, as seen in the study where each eye required an average of 2.3 surgeries. Long-term care and follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the patient’s vision and ensure the success of the surgery.

  • Long-term outcomes: The study found that most surgeries were successful in reattaching the retina, but the patients’ vision varied from poor to normal after the surgeries. Treating retinal issues in patients with Stickler syndrome may require ongoing management and care to maintain or improve vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient with Stickler syndrome should ask their doctor about retinal surgery include:

  1. What specific type of surgery do you recommend for my eye issues related to Stickler syndrome?
  2. How many surgeries do you anticipate I will need to undergo to address the retinal problems?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the recommended surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of the surgery in patients with Stickler syndrome?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for this type of surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow up with a retinal specialist or other healthcare provider after the surgery?
  7. How will the surgery impact my vision in the long term?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  9. How will the surgery be tailored to my specific needs and condition as a patient with Stickler syndrome?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to protect my eye health?

Reference

Authors: Burdová MČ, Štěpánková J, Pourová RK, Mahelková G, Hložánek M, Kožner P, Dotřelová D. Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2023 Jun;261(6):1723-1729. doi: 10.1007/s00417-022-05960-8. Epub 2023 Jan 3. PMID: 36595051