[Magdalen] Torn retina...

[Jim Guthrie]

>One has had bilateral knee replacements. Both are (amateur) runners, though.

I asked because torn retinas are often related to problems with the vitreous. 
damaging the retina by skating across it.

It's related to a genetic flaw that inhibits the production of collagen -- which 
is also essential in healthy joints. These tings often go together, especially 
with incidences with several members of the family.

It is related to a gene malformation (IIRC gene 11a) and can be inherited. There 
are, apparently things that can be done about this when a child is diagnosed 
with it at age 5-6 nowadays, but adults are SOL.

It is also in the same gene cluster, and related to, cleft palate.

See the literature on Stickler Disease or Wagner-Stickler Syndrome for all the 
details.

I suspect reading through it may result in some aHa! moments in your family (and 
not just ones with the torn retinas, but their kids ought to be aware as it can 
also skip a generation.

It's also what we've had causing retina -related total blind ness over three of 
the four generations in my family, before me. Thanks to the technology developed 
in the late 1950s, I've kept at least some sight longer than anyone in the 
family with this, but still have that sword od Damocles hanging over my head.

Cheers,
Jim