Symptom: Eyes
Eye problems are another major symptom of Marfan syndrome. Most of the eye problems that people with this syndrome experience also occur in the general population. When ophthalmologists treat these eye problems, they may not attribute it to Marfan syndrome. Some of these common eye problems include nearsightedness, astigmatism, cataracts, and glaucoma. The early onset of cataracts or glaucoma is common with people who have Marfan syndrome, but it can also be a sign of other health conditions like diabetes.
The one eye condition that people with Marfan syndrome have that people in the general population normally do not experience is retinal detachment. People can experience a retinal detachment when they suffer an eye or head injury, but retinal detachment can occur in people who have Marfan syndrome for no apparent reason. 6 out of 10 people who have Marfan syndrome will experience a retinal detachment in one or both eyes. Anyone who has a retinal detachment for no known reason should be examined for Marfan syndrome if they have not been diagnosed with this condition.
