Usher syndrome is a disorder that is passed down through families (inherited). A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together. Usher syndrome involves both hearing loss and vision loss. The hearing loss may be mild to complete. The vision problem is called retinitis pigmentosa. The retinas of the eyes are slowly damaged over time. The retinas receive light and play a very important part in being able to see. Usher syndrome is the most common childhood condition that affects both vision and hearing.
What are the symptoms of Usher syndrome?
Symptoms depend on the type of Usher syndrome. There are several types and many sub-types of the syndrome. Symptoms of the syndrome may include:
Problems with hearing or deafness
Problems with balance
Problems with eyesight or blindness
The problems with eyesight are caused by an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. This disorder includes a group of eye diseases that leads to gradual loss of eyesight.