Wagner Syndrome

What Is Wagner Syndrome?

Wagner Syndrome is a rare genetic disease caused by gene mutations that affect the eye and vision, causing progressive loss of vision. Symptoms of Wagner Syndrome usually begin in the teen years, although there have been children as young as 2 years old who have been diagnosed with this rare disorder.

Basically, Wagner Syndrome causes the retina to become thin and separate, called retinal detachment. The gel-like fluid that fills the eyeball, called the vitreous, becomes thin and watery.

Wagner Syndrome may also be called Wagner Disease, Wagner Vitreoretinal Degeneration, VCAN-Related Vitreoretinopathy, Hyaloideoretinal Degeneration of Wagner, or Wagner Syndrome Type 1.

What Are The Symptoms of Wagner Syndrome?

The symptoms of Wagner Syndrome can vary from person to person, but can include blurred vision, nearsightedness, retinal detachment, cataracts, night blindness, an empty vitreous cavity, and retinal detachment. Those affected by Wagner Syndrome may also experience optic atrophy and glaucoma to just name a few.

How Do You Get Diagnosed With Wagner Syndrome?

In order to get properly diagnosed with Wagner Syndrome, in addition to undergoing a comprehensive exam by a Ophthalmologist, your family history will be documented and molecular genetic testing may be performed. If a family member has been diagnosed with Wagner Syndrome, then other relatives should also be tested because of the genetic link.

What Is The Treatment For Wagner Syndrome?

There is no cure or special medication for Wagner Syndrome, although certain symptoms can be managed with medical intervention. Spectacles or contacts will help correct refractive error and cataracts will usually be treated with surgery. Laser Retinue or Cryocoagulation are effective for retinal breaks without retinal detachment. Vitreoretinal surgery may also be recommended for those that have retinal detachment.

How Can I Prevent Wagner Syndrome?

There is no way to prevent Wagner Syndrome since it is a genetic disorder, although you may consider going through genetic counseling prior to conceiving a child. The chances of passing Wagner Syndrome to your children is approximately 50%.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Wagner Syndrome, or you are a researcher or doctor, a great Web site for information, resources, and support is www.wagnersyndrome.eu. This Web site provides details on symptoms, treatment, genetics, and even has information on stem cell and gene therapy. It is a unique site because it is not only for patients, but for doctors and researchers as well, which can provide you with the latest developments in treatment options for Wagner Syndrome.

Sources:

Wagner: Wagner Syndrome, http://www.wagnersyndrome.eu/wagner.html