Treatments For Managing Marfan's Syndrome

Marfan's syndrome is an inherited condition that affects connective tissue throughout the body. Both men and women can inherit this disorder, and it is diagnosed in approximately one out of every five thousand individuals. The heart, bones, eyes, and blood vessels are some of the most common areas impacted by the illness. Physical features of Marfan's syndrome include having long arms, fingers, and legs, flexible joints, a curved spine, and a chest that is concave or protrudes in an abnormal way. Genetic testing can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of Marfan's syndrome, and patients may also need special eye or heart tests to detect damage to these areas. Patients with Marfan's are monitored closely by their medical teams throughout their lives, and modern treatments have made it possible for patients to have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.

The treatments outlined below are useful for many Marfan's syndrome patients.

Glasses Or Contact Lenses

Vision problems are one of the most common symptoms of Marfan's syndrome, and glasses or contact lenses can help patients with reading, driving, and other daily activities. Many patients with this syndrome have severe nearsightedness, and some patients may develop a dislocated lens in the eye or a detached retina. Patients with Marfan's syndrome may also develop glaucoma (elevated eye pressure) or cataracts at an earlier age than individuals without this illness. Glasses or contact lenses can be used to help individuals with these conditions see more clearly, and they will also reduce the eye strain and headaches that may accompany nearsightedness and glaucoma. Marfan's syndrome patients may need to have their prescription for glasses or contacts updated more than once a year, and an ophthalmologist can recommend the most appropriate glasses and contacts for the patient's needs.

Learn more about treatments available for Marfan's syndrome now.