Eye
Type II collagen is present in the eye. SED is therefore associated with myopia (short-sightedness) and retinal detachment. Regular review by an ophthalmologist to exclude retinal tears is recommended.
Respiratory problems
Abnormal chest development in some forms of SED may cause respiratory insufficiency. Sleep apnea and breathing problems can occur due to compression of the spinal cord in the neck.
Ears
Moderate hearing loss may occur, especially for high-pitched sounds. Children with SED are at risk for developing recurrent ear infections due to reduction in the size of the tubes connecting the middle ear cavity to the upper throat (Eustachian tube).