WHAT IS TREACHER-COLLINS SYNDROME?

Treacher Collins Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting an estimated one in 50 000 people worldwide. The condition mainly affects the bones and tissues in the face. In early pregnancy, the cheekbones, jaw, and eye sockets don’t develop properly, causing a characteristic appearance in the baby, with downward drooping eyes and a small jaw. If the jaw is very small, the child may have breathing problems and difficulty feeding. Some children with the syndrome have underdeveloped ears, which can lead to hearing impairment, while others may have eye abnormalities, which can lead to vision loss.