Medical counseling is an important part of managing genetic eye diseases in families with these in their history. Couples who seek to have more children should be particularly mindful of any advice an eye doctor may impart. Individuals can have their DNA tested for genetic eye diseases, especially since DNA test kit prices are currently dropping. Couples can then be alerted to any genetic diseases that may affect their children.
If the test comes back that the children are, in fact, likely to develop an eye disease, a prenatal evaluation may need to be conducted by a doctor. Genetic diseases often place a burden on families, therefore, it would be a smart idea for families to seek medical advice should the DNA test come back with a negative result.
How Individuals Can Protect Themselves
Individuals who are at risk may take certain measures to ensure they prevent the growth of genetic eye diseases. They may do this by visiting their eye doctor for annual screenings and checkups. This way, an early diagnosis may be reached, and that individual may then pursue treatment. Not all genetic eye disease cases are hopeless. Eye doctors will be able to predict the likelihood of any individual developing complications like detached retina, and they can then discus the first steps for treatment.
To date, the most efficient way to help combat genetic eye disorders is through means of clinical research. Molecular genetic research is promising, with more information coming out about hereditary eye disorders and potential treatments. Ocular structure studies give hope for eye therapy and possibly even a cure for genetic diseases. Technological breakthroughs in eye care have been instrumental in helping doctors worldwide to gain a deeper understanding of eye diseases, allowing them to develop treatments.
More Info About Hereditary Eye Disorders
Many hereditary eye disorders have already been identified with DNA testing. These eye disorders include congenital cataracts that are present when a baby is born and retinal degeneration from birth. These two disorders are the leading genetic causes of hereditary blindness. These disorders affect roughly one out of 250 newborns. Some newborns are born with a cataract, yet many others will develop them later in life thanks to a genetic eye disorder.
Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary disorder that affects one in every 5,000 Americans every year. Retinitis pigmentosa leads to progressive deterioration of eye function that worsens substantially after the first two decades of an individual’s life. If an individual gets their eyes examined periodically and encourages their family to do the same, many genetic eye diseases can be prevented through early detection.
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Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.