Genetic diagnostic methods for inherited eye diseases

Clinical Practice, Challenges, and the Future of Ophthalmic Genetics in Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Ophthalmic genetics is vital for diagnosing and managing inherited eye disorders, contributing to personalized treatments.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed 131 healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia through an online questionnaire to evaluate clinical practices, referral patterns, and challenges in genetic ophthalmology.

Results

Our study showed that 61.7% of participants reported the availability of ophthalmic genetics services in their hospitals, with an equal percentage referring patients to genetic specialists. However, significant barriers were identified, including limited budgets for genetic testing (69.6%), a lack of trained physicians (70.9%), low community awareness (50.6%), and a perceived lack of treatment options (27.8%). Additionally, concerns about patient access to genetic testing (54.3%) and genetic counseling (50.6%) were highlighted.

Conclusion

This is the first study on ophthalmic genetics in Saudi Arabia, and its findings emphasize the need for policy reforms and targeted interventions. Proposed solutions include innovative financial models for genetic testing, expanded training programs for healthcare providers, and public awareness campaigns to improve access to genetic services. Addressing these challenges can enhance early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes in ophthalmic genetics.

Identification of disease genes and assessment of eye-related diseases caused by disease genes using JMFC and GDLNN

Early detection of disease genes helps humans to recover from certain gene-related diseases, like genetic eye diseases. This work identifies the possibility of eye diseasesfor the disease genes utilizing a Gaussian-activation function (G)-centric deeplearning neural network (GDLNN) model. In this work, human genes are selected by computing structural similarity and genes are clustered as disease genesand normal genes by using the JMFC clustering algorithm. Levy flight and Crossover and Mutation (LCM) centric Chicken Swarm Optimization (LCM-CSO) is employed for feature selection and GDLNN classifies the eye-related diseases for the input genes using the selected features.

Practical guide to genetic screening for inherited eye diseases

Genetic eye diseases affect around one in 1000 people worldwide for which the molecular aetiology remains unknown in the majority. The identification of disease-causing gene variant(s) allows a better understanding of the disorder and its inheritance. There is now an approved retinal gene therapy for autosomal recessive RPE65-retinopathy, and numerous ocular gene/mutation-targeted clinical trials underway, highlighting the importance of establishing a genetic diagnosis so patients can fully access the latest research developments and treatment options. In this review, we will provide a practical guide to managing patients with these conditions including an overview of inheritance patterns, required pre- and post-test genetic counselling, different types of cytogenetic and genetic testing available, with a focus on next generation sequencing using targeted gene panels, whole exome and genome sequencing. We will expand on the pros and cons of each modality, variant interpretation and options for family planning for the patient and their family. With the advent of genomic medicine, genetic screening will soon become mainstream within all ophthalmology subspecialties for prevention of disease and provision of precision therapeutics.

Genetic testing in translational ophthalmology

Inherited eye diseases are a group of conditions with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Advances in ocular genetic research have provided insights into the genetic basis of many eye diseases. Genetic and technological progress is improving the management and care of patients with inherited eye diseases. Diagnostic laboratories continue to develop strategies with high specificity and sensitivity that reduce the costs and time required for genetic testing. The introduction of next generation sequencing technologies has significantly advanced the identification of new gene candidates and has expanded the scope of genetic testing. Gene therapy offers an important opportunity to target causative genetic mutations. There are clinical trials of treatments involving vector-based eye gene therapies, and a significant number of loci and genes now have a role in the diagnosis and treatment of human eye diseases. Applied genetic technology heralds the development of individualized treatments, ushering ophthalmology into the field of personalized medicine. Many therapeutic strategies have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies and have entered the clinical trial phase. In this paper we review the topic of genetic testing in inherited eye diseases. We provide some background information about genetic counseling and genetic testing in ophthalmology and discuss how genetic testing can be helpful to patients and families with inherited eye diseases.

Genetics and ocular disorders: a focused review

Increasingly accurate phenotyping leads to better genetic evaluation. Genetic eye conditions may be due to a common cellar defect (eg, ciliopathies or RASopathies). Early-onset retinal dystrophies may be associated with renal disease. An understanding of genetic testing helps clinicians identify shortcomings in testing which may lead to a better understanding of the most appropriate test for a given ocular condition. Dedicated genetic counselors within ophthalmic and pediatric clinics are likely to improve the delivery of clinical care in these settings.