Complications

Potential complications of Stickler syndrome include:

• Difficulty breathing or feeding. Breathing or feeding difficulties may occur in babies born with an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), a small lower jaw and a tendency for the tongue to drop back toward the throat.
• Blindness. Blindness can occur if retinal detachments aren't repaired promptly.
• Ear infections. Children with facial structure abnormalities associated with Stickler syndrome are more likely to develop ear infections than are children with normal facial structure.
• Deafness. Hearing loss associated with Sticker syndrome may worsen with time.
• Heart problems. Some people with Stickler syndrome may be at higher risk of heart valve problems.
• Dental problems. Most children who have Stickler syndrome have abnormally small jaws, so there often isn't enough room for the full complement of adult teeth. Braces or, in some cases, dental surgeries may be necessary.