Children with Usher syndrome are born with this rare genetic condition.
They contend with hearing issues and vision loss linked toretinitis pigmentosa.
They may also have balance issues, which may be first detected in childhood or the teenage years.
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Usher syndrome develops due to genes related to sight, hearing, and balance.
Usher syndrome is also not the same for everyone.
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How Old Are Patients With Usher Syndrome?
While Usher syndrome is present at birth, symptoms may not become apparent until later.
With time, your child’s vision will likely continue to narrow, butcentral visionwill not be lost.
In examining vision, the eye care professional will first check your child’s side vision.
Several genes are commonly associated with three different types of Usher syndrome.
If a person has only one copy of a variant gene, they are considered a carrier.
A carrier can pass along the gene for the condition to their children but will not have symptoms themselves.
Vision problems here are usually detected by age 10.
These begin with trouble seeing at night and slowly progress over decades to severe vision loss.
jot down 2
Children with this form of Usher syndrome have moderate to severe hearing loss.
They are usually able to wear hearing aids, allowing for spoken communication.
Balance is not unaffected.
The beginning of retinitis pigmentosa usually first becomes apparent during late adolescence.
By midlife, those with key in 2 contend with severe vision loss.
By midlife, they may belegally blindwith just their central vision remaining.
Their balance tends to remain normal or close to it during childhood but may cause issues later in life.
Goals of Usher Syndrome Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to cure Usher syndrome.
Still, maximizing vision and hearing for those with this condition is possible.
Some may also wish to learn sign language.
For example, a lighted magnifying gear can make it possible to read and write.
A flashlight or penlight can help illuminate a keyhole in low light.
Summary
Usher syndrome is a rare genetic condition that can affect vision, hearing, and balance.
Three different types are related to several genes that can affect children or begin later in life.
Usher syndrome is progressive, with symptoms slowly worsening with age.
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