The Genetics of Inherited Eye Disease
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Summary
Background: Research has identified some of the genes involved in inherited eye diseases. But for many of these diseases, the genes are not yet known. Researchers want to try to find these genes. They also hope to learn more about how symptoms differ in people with similar gene changes. Objective: To learn more about genes involved in eye diseases. Eligibility: People who have a known or suspected inherited eye disease, and their relatives. Design: * All participants will have a medical history, physical exam, and eye exam. They will have blood taken. * Participants with an eye disease may have eye cell samples taken using a swab or biopsy procedure. * Participants may have a skin biopsy. A 3mm piece of skin will be removed. * Participants may provide samples of tears, urine, saliva, stool, hair, or inner cheek cells. * Participants may have a retina test. They may also have a test that uses light to measure retina thickness. * Participants may have an eye movement test. Electrodes will be placed on the skin next to both eyes. * Participants may have a fluorescein angiography. A dye will be given through an intravenous line in the arm. A camera will take pictures of the dye as it flows through the eyes blood vessels. * Participants may have microperimetry. They will sit at a computer screen and press a button when they see a light. * Participants may have an eye movement test. They will wear contact lenses or goggles and watch a series of spots on a computer screen. * Participants may complete a color vision test. * Participants will provide a specimen for genetic testing. * Participants may have a MRI. * Participants may complete questionnaires.
Description
OBJECTIVE: Molecular genetics and genomics are revolutionizing the delivery of medicine in general and ophthalmology in particular. New treatment and prevention strategies rely on a detailed understanding of the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of vision-threatening disease. In addition, in order to determine whether an intervention is therapeutic, we must first have some understanding of what the best clinical outcome variables are for measuring a treatment effect. Because our ultimate goal is to develop disease-specific protocols for specific inherited conditions, establishing this proto…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 1–120 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants will be eligible if they: 1. Have a known or suspected inherited eye disease OR are an unaffected (usually first degree) relative of a participant with a known or suspected inherited eye disease. 2. Have the ability to cooperate with an age-appropriate eye exam. 3. Have the ability to understand and sign an informed consent or have a parent/legal guardian to do so if they are minor children or have a legally authorized representative if they are adults without consent capacity. Unaffected adult relatives of a participant should be able to provide consent.…
Location
- National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesda, Maryland