How does Marfan syndrome affect the eyes?
Marfan syndrome has been linked to more than 3,000 fibrillin-1 mutations. In the eye, the mutations weaken the zonule fibers to the point of breaking and letting go of the lens, a condition called ectopia lentis. People with Marfan syndrome have increased risk of glaucoma, cataract, and high myopia.
Why do people with Marfan syndrome need glasses?
Anterior chamber lenses may be too small to fit well in the eyes of people with Marfan syndrome. This is because many people with Marfan syndrome have extra large anterior chamber spaces in their eyes. As a result, anterior chamber lenses may move around and cause poor vision and pain.
What is Marfan eye?
More than half of people with Marfan syndrome have a condition called ectopia lentis. With ectopia lentis the eye’s lens becomes dislocated. Because the lens helps focus light rays on the retina, visual acuity worsens. Ectopia lentis is a key symptom of Marfan syndrome and is often the first sign of the disorder.
What ocular anomalies are often associated with Marfan’s syndrome?
Many people with Marfan syndrome will need glasses because they will develop myopia (nearsightedness) or have astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the eye). Patients with Marfan syndrome may also have a higher chance of developing cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus and retinal detachment.
Can Marfan cause retinal detachment?
Retinal tears and detachments are also quite common in patients with Marfan syndrome. The Marfan eye has many risk factors for tears and detachments including high myopia, excess lattice degeneration, vitreous liquefaction, choroidal and scleral thinning, and vitreous traction from ectopia lentis.
Does Marfan syndrome affect the brain?
These vascular abnormalities can be a cause of cerebral and spinal ischemia or hemorrhage. Indeed, ischemic events involving the brain or spinal cord are estimated to occur in 10% to 20% of patients with Marfan syndrome.
Is there pain with Marfan syndrome?
Skeletal problems that develop as a result of Marfan syndrome can sometimes cause significant pain and discomfort. They may also affect your appearance, which some people find affects their confidence and self-esteem.
Is Marfan a disability?
People who have Marfan syndrome are not able to qualify for SSDI benefits under an Social Security Administration (SSA) listing. However, this does not mean that these individuals will be denied benefits. If complications of the condition are severe, these complications can qualify a person for benefits.