Inherited Eye Disorders
Wednesday Jun 02, 2010, 12:00PM - 01:00PM (EST)
Head, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Director of the Center for Genetic Eye Diseases
Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute
Genetics Institute and Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland, OH
Inherited Eye Diseases constitute a significant proportion of causes of congenital and childhood blindness in developed and developing countries. Genetic factors play a major role in common eye diseases such as errors of refraction, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. In the last decade, more than 400 genes involved in eye diseases have been discovered and that information has provided an insight into underlying pathogenic mechanisms and has paved the way to therapies including gene therapy that has been successful in one form of Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a leading cause of inherited childhood blindness. Take this opportunity to chat with an expert on genetic eye diseases. Dr. Traboulsi is an ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute and has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic eye disease. His expertise and experience attracts patients from all over the world who seek a definitive diagnosis or state-of-the-art treatment. Dr. Traboulsi is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case University. His areas of expertise include in addition to genetic diseases of the eye, pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
o in your particular family, your children are all carriers, just like their paternal grandparents.
Michael:
II have been noticing eye strain for some time but attributed it to my macular pucker. I went to my optometrist and she said I have strabismus. My question is could the loss of vision in my eye with the pucker cause the strabismus? Is there anything I can do? Thank you
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
Thanks for your question Michael. Unfortunately it is beyond the scope of this chat. Please check with your ophthalmologist.
ajayv:
Is there a way to improve eyesight naturally?
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
Thanks for your question Ajay. Unfortunately it is also outside the scope of this chat. Natural ways are always good! Eat and live healthy!
eaglesJW:
Do you recommend genetic testing for parents who have a family history of retinitis pigementosa?
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
Before genetic testing is done, a thorough examination and work-up for the possible mode of inheritance is undertaken. Once that is determined and depending on the type of retinitis pigmentosa, a test could be ordered. This can only be done in the context of good genetic counseling.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
There are a very large number of genes that cause RP. The specific test to be ordered can only be recommended by an ophthalmologist who is extremely familiar with these types of problems.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
There are a few specialized clinics, such as the retinal dystrophy clinic that I run at the Cole Eye Institute of the Cleveland Clinic that would be suitable to make this determination.
kbms:
My grandmother had a retinal detachment a few years ago. Many members of my family suffer from varying degrees of near-sightedness, and I know that puts you at greater risk. Should her children or grandchildren be concerned about retinal detachment as well?
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
The occurrence of retinal detachment in an elderly patient as such is not necessarily a sign of an inherited predispostion to retinal detachment. The high prevalence of myopia in your family however, may be such a factor. It is good to be aware of symptoms of retinal detachment and to ask your eye doctor to make sure that the peripheral part of your retina be examined for the presence of retinal thinning or tears. If these are treated, retinal detachment can be prevented.
poolblue:
How much lutein should I take and does it make a difference what kind ?
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
Sorry but this is outside the scope of this chat. Take care.
palo_alto_mom:
Is it normal to occasionally see floating spots or do I have a serious medical condition? No one else in family has experienced this.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
Also outside the scope of this chat. I would say though that floaters are quite common.
angel678:
my 7 year old has exphoria. I have been taking her to visual therapy. I worry that this condition will be a life long battle for my little girl. What are your thoughts in this matter?
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
Also outside the scope of this chat. Check with your pediatric OPHTHALMOLOGIST.
Jibs1:
Does eye color play a part in nearsightedness inheritance. I have 4 children. One has brown eyes, two blue, 1 hazel. The ones with brown/hazel have more correction in their prescription than my two blue eyed children who are extremely minimal in correction. Ages 11-19.
MedHelp:
We have just accepted our last question of the chat.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
This is the last question we can take. Thank you everyone.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
I am not aware of any connection between eye color and nearsightedness. Good project though to think about.
MedHelp:
Thank you Dr. Traboulsi for answering our questions and all the members who participated today!
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
It was a delight to share these comments with the group. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any additional questions/concerns you may have. I wish all a good summer. Thank you MedHelp.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
The Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine Institute conducts cutting-edge Genetic & Genomic translational research. The Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH), clinical arm of the Genomic Medicine Institute, offers comprehensive genetic services to individuals and family members at risk for inherited or genetic conditions. If you or a family member may be at risk for an inherited or genetic condition, please contact us for genetic evaluation by calling 216. 445.5686.
Elias Traboulsi, MD:
The Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic offers state-of-the-art Eye Care for patients with any type of eye diseases. 216-4442020.
