Genetics: Now or Later?

Why it’s time to know the basics.

Inas F. Aboobakar, MD

Glaucoma Today

Genetic factors contribute to the development of all forms of early- and adult-onset glaucoma, and recent studies have identified gene variants for every form of disease.1 In coming years, this genetic information will likely have a role in clinical glaucoma care (and ophthalmology and medicine in general), so it is important to be familiar with the basics. The vision for this field is to one day be able to collect a blood sample from any given patient who presents to clinic and run a gene panel to identify the gene mutations or risk variants they carry. For early-onset forms of glaucoma, such as congenital glaucoma and juvenile open-angle glaucoma, testing could identify the causal gene mutation responsible for disease development. First-degree relatives could then be screened for that gene mutation to determine if they are also carriers and therefore warrant close monitoring. Ultimately, it may also be possible to offer these patients targeted gene therapies. For adult-onset forms of glaucoma, such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), angle closure, and exfoliation glaucoma, many genes are associated with small increases in disease risk. These gene variants can be assessed in aggregate by deriving a polygenic risk score (PRS), which can provide information on an individual’s glaucoma risk relative to the general population. This may allow personalized risk assessment, monitoring, and therapy for patients with glaucoma and glaucoma suspects. In addition, understanding the specific genetic drivers for a given patient may enable us to classify them into disease subtypes. EARLY-ONSET GLAUCOMA For early-onset forms of glaucoma (patient age at onset ≤ 40 years), a single gene mutation is sufficient for disease development.

Successful Management of Vitreous Opacities

Eyetube

Performing surgery for symptomatic vitreous opacities (SVO) was once verboten in retina medicine, but the field has seen a sea-change in mindset over the past decade. In this podcast, optometric thought leader Alison Bozung, OD, is joined by an esteemed panel of retina surgeons to discuss why more retina surgeons are willing to perform vitrectomy for SVO, what it means for their patients, and how optometrists can help evaluate and identify patients for referral. 

5 Steps to Building Financial Security

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to make it simpler.

Christopher Lopez, OD

Modern Optometry

In today’s world, optometry is perceived as a relatively lucrative and low-stress career option. Although it is true that our expertise as optometrists can translate into substantial earnings, building wealth requires more than just a high salary. Achieving financial freedom means balancing significant student loans and other financial challenges with smart money management and investment. Considering that optometrists rank low on the doctor compensation spectrum, and the cost of attendance for doctorate programs continues to grow out of control, it’s no wonder so many of our OD colleagues find themselves in precarious financial positions. Fortunately, building wealth and achieving success is still within our grasp. This article highlights five steps to help guide you along the road to financial freedom. STEP NO. 1: UNDERSTAND YOUR FINANCES The first step in any financial journey is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your individual financial situation. This includes analyzing your debt, reviewing your compensation, and keeping track of your expenses. Debt Analysis For most students, optometry school comes with hefty loan payments.