Monday, November 24, 2014

New Comprehensive Genetic Testing for Eye Disorders

A new comprehensive genetic test for eye disorders has been created by colleagues at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear.  The Genetic Eye Disease test (GEDi) tests for all genes that are known to cause or heighten the chance of getting an eye disorder.  These disorders range from retinal degenerations, optic atrophy, and glaucoma.  There are 226 genes that can cause these eye diseases, and the GEDi tests for all of them.  More research is underway to include a test for eye movement disorders and other eye conditions.

While many genetic eye tests already exist, this is the first comprehensive genetic test that is both accurate and reproducible.  It has an accuracy rate of 98%.


The GEDi will be helpful in diagnosing people with disorders or allowing people to pursue preventative care if they are susceptible to a certain disorder.  This would make it easier for people to preserve their vision before it begins to go bad, giving their eyes a better chance of being healthy in the long run.

2 comments:

  1. This genetic test can be very valuable, especially since so many people develop eye problems as they age. Knowing how many genes control eye conditions can allow researchers to look further into other factors that can cause these disorders and ways to prevent or delay the disorders.

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  2. Thank you for putting all these strategies into a very readable place. It shows your ability and great skills. keep sharing such article in future. eye doctor houston tx

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