Usher Syndrome is a hereditary condition characterized by the dual challenges of hearing loss and vision impairment. It is categorized into three main types, each with its distinctive features.
What are the causes and risk factors for Retinitis Pigmentosa secondary to Usher syndrome?
The main cause of Usher syndrome is genetic and results from mutations in specific genes including MYO7A, USH2A, and CLRN1. The inheritance pattern varies, with Types 1 and 2 following autosomal recessive patterns and Type 3 having autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance.
The main risk factor for having this condition is a family history of Usher Syndrome and carrying two abnormal copies of the associated genes increase the risk of its manifestation.
What are the signs and symptoms of Usher syndrome?
There are three types of Usher syndrome each with different characteristics.
Type 1: Characterized by profound deafness from birth and the onset of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in early childhood.
Type 2: Marked by moderate to severe hearing loss from birth, with RP typically developing in adolescence.
Type 3: Involves progressive hearing loss starting in late childhood and the onset of RP in adolescence or early adulthood.
How is RP secondary to Usher syndrome diagnosed?
At The Retina Clinic London, all patients attending an initial consultation with one of our Genetic Diseases Specialist, will undergo an array of extensive testing to help diagnose your condition whilst will include, amongst others:
- Visual Acuity Tests: Assessing clarity and sharpness of vision.
- Visual Field Tests: Mapping the extent of peripheral vision.
- Electroretinography (ERG): Recording the electrical responses of photoreceptor cells.
- High-resolution Ultrawide-field OCT and Macula OCT: Cross-sectional scans of your retina will be taken to identify which changes are happening at an anatomical level in your retinas and to know the extent of any existing conditions.
- Ultra-widefield multi-wavelength fundus images: pictures of the back of your eye will be taken to have an en-face view of your retinas and to see the extent of any disease and to understand where the affected areas are.
- Genetic Testing: at The Retina Clinic London, we are in the privileged position of being able to offer a genetic testing service with samples collected in-house before being sent off to the laboratory for processing. This genetic testing is specifically to identify any mutations in those genes associated with the retina and its functioning. We also offer a service to test family members to see if there are also carriers of that gene. More information can be found here.
What treatment options are there available for Stargardt’s Disease?
At the moment there are no approved treatments options for RP secondary to Usher syndrome. However, at The Retina Clinic London, we are also a centre for industry-sponsored clinical trials and, led by Prof. Stanga, we aim to bring patients choice in signing up to the latest trials for their condition where possible. Please see our Clinical Trials page to understand whether or not we are currently recruiting for a trial in Stargardt’s. Similarly, following a consultation with us, with your consent, you will automatically be entered into our database to be contacted for future studies.
Low Vision Aids are an option for managing the symptoms of RP secondary to Usher syndrome and include devices like magnifiers, telescopes, and adaptive technologies to enhance remaining vision. These can be discussed in further detail during your consultation.
Coping with RP secondary to Usher syndrome
When attending a genetics consultation at our clinic, our specialists will discuss with you to variety of emotional and psychological resources to cope with Stargardt’s and the disease progression. These will include:
- Genetic Counselling: Guidance for families on the inheritance pattern and risk.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges.
- Orientation and Mobility Training: Learning techniques for safe navigation.
- Psychosocial Support: Addressing the emotional impact of vision loss.
Collaboration between our ophthalmologists, your audiologists, and specialists, will also result in individualized care plans based on the specific Usher Syndrome type.