Waardenberg
syndrome is divided up into four types, but all share the same basic symptoms. These are
deafness and partial
albinism, often causing the eyes to be of different colours. The other common feature is an abnormal separation of the inner corners of the eyes, and a correspondingly broad
nasal bridge.
About one in 30,000 people is affected with this syndrome. As it is an inherited dominant set of characteristics sufferers almost always have a parent with the syndrome.
Type 4 also causes digestive irregularities. Diagnosis is by genetic test. The syndrome cannot be treated, but the symptoms, such as deafness can be controlled, for example with hearing aids.