Vitreoretinopathies are characterized by an abnormal appearing vitreous and retinal abnormalities. The vitreal changes are characterized by liquifaction and syneresis. As a result, many of these patients are prone to retinal detachments, making them potentially blinding diseases. Particularly prone to this complication are patients with Stickler's syndrome.
Dr. David Brown, the prinicipal investigator of the hereditary retinal detachment project, stores some family samples in the ultracold freezer. Dr. Brown began his work with these families during his ophthalmology residency, and continued it through his fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery.
Our studies have contributed to our understanding of the following inherited vitreoretinopathies.
Stickler's syndrome
Wagner's disease and erosive vitreoretinopathy
