Health Conditions Affecting the ​Eyes, Ears and Mouth
Eyes:
Blocked tear ducts in newborn babies with Williams syndrome prevents tears from draining through tear ducts. This can be recognised through excessive tearing, even when a baby is not crying. This usually clears up by the time the child is one years of age with little or no treatment, although in some cases it can cause infection.
Around 70% individuals with Williams syndrome may also experience a problem with focusing their eyes on objects up close (hyperopia), cataracts are also reported in around 20% of adults.
Ears:
Mild to moderate hearing loss is detected in around 60% children and 90% adults, with adults also often experiencing an excessive build-up of ear wax.
Mouth:
Several dental problems are common in Williams syndrome. This includes teeth appearing smaller than they should be and being spaced apart or misaligned, which can lead to a misshapen bite. Around 40% of individuals are missing one or more adult teeth.