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The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of rare lysosomal storage disorders characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in several tissues and organs. This accumulation results in an array of clinical manifestations and premature death in severe cases. Ocular problems are very common in children with MPS and may involve the cornea, sclera, trabecular meshwork, retina, optic nerve and also the posterior visual pathways. The aims of this study are to give an overview of ocular problems in MPS and to provide clinical guidelines for paediatric ophthalmologists for early diagnosis and management of ocular manifestations in children with MPS. Diagnostic problems may arise in children with severe corneal clouding, hampering visualization of the fundus. Intraocular pressures may be falsely high, even leading to suspicion and unnecessary pressure‐lowering treatment. Simple interventions such as the use of prescription glasses or photochromatic glasses can considerably improve quality of life in children with MPS.
The management of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is focused on the multi-organ, sometimes lifethreatening, clinical manifestations that occur over time. In the past, the limited, symptom-based treatment options led physicians to adopt a palliative approach towards individual disease-associated complications. The availability of systemic treatments such as haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has created a better prognosis for MPS patients, particularly when initiated early in life. As part of an integrated management approach, these therapies could be valuable in managing the ocular features that are present in many children with MPS. HSCT has been shown to stabilize or improve corneal clouding and optic nerve oedema for the majority of patients. Retinal degeneration, in contrast, seems not to be permanently arrested. ERT was more recently introduced and has therefore been less well examined than HSCT; with respect to ocular problems in MPS, the majority of reports indicate stabilization of corneal clouding or visual acuity. However, controversy remains about its effect on other ocular pathologies. Despite the lack of consistent ophthalmic improvement for all patients, both treatment modalities deserve consideration, because even reducing MPS-related eye disease progression is worthwhile.
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