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.
