Lacrimo Auriculo Dento Digital Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lacrimo Auriculo Dento Digital Syndrome?
A primary care doctor often coordinates care, but people usually see specialists too, such as an eye doctor, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, a dentist, and a genetics specialist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Lacrimo Auriculo Dento Digital Syndrome?
Lacrimo Auriculo Dento Digital Syndrome is a rare condition present from birth that affects the tear glands, the ears, the teeth, and the fingers and toes.
"Lacrimo" refers to the glands and ducts that make and drain tears, "auriculo" to the ears, "dento" to the teeth, and "digital" to the fingers and toes. The syndrome affects how these systems develop, and each person is affected differently.
Symptoms
Signs vary from person to person and may include:
- Blocked or missing tear ducts, causing watery eyes or eye infections.
- Hearing loss, often from changes in the middle ear.
- Teeth that are small, misshapen, or delayed in coming in.
- Fingers or toes that are unusually shaped or short.
- Sometimes a cleft palate or cleft lip.
- Dry mouth from salivary glands that do not work normally.
Causes and who gets it
This syndrome is genetic, caused by a change in a gene. It is usually passed down in an autosomal dominant pattern: a child only needs to get the changed gene from one parent, so an affected parent has a one in two chance of passing it to each child. Sometimes the change occurs for the first time in a child, with no family history.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start with a physical exam and a family history. An eye doctor can check the tear ducts, a hearing test can measure hearing, and dental x-rays can show tooth problems. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no cure, so treatment focuses on managing each symptom. A blocked tear duct may be treated with massage or a procedure to open the channel, and hearing loss is often managed with hearing aids. Dentists can repair or reshape teeth, and clefts are repaired with surgery, usually in childhood.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for very watery eyes, repeated eye infections, or trouble hearing. Children with unusually shaped teeth or fingers should be checked too. Early care can prevent problems such as eye infections or speech delays.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can spend more time with each patient and coordinate specialist care.
Common questions
Is Lacrimo Auriculo Dento Digital Syndrome life threatening?
No. The condition mainly affects tear drainage, hearing, teeth, and fingers. Most people with it live normal lifespans, though hearing and eye problems need ongoing care.
Can it be passed to my children?
Yes, it can be. When the gene change is passed down in the autosomal dominant pattern, each child of an affected parent has a one in two chance of having the condition. A genetics specialist can explain this in more detail for a family.
Will my child need surgery?
It depends on the symptoms. Some people need surgery to open tear ducts or repair a cleft palate, while others do not. Each person's needs are different.
Can hearing loss get worse over time?
It can in some people. Regular hearing tests help track any change, and hearing aids can help at any stage.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Levy-Hollister syndrome
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
