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Biomedical subjects

R D Newcomb

Publications and source records attributed to R D Newcomb.

42 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1977

Applied genetics for the practicing optometrist.

A good preventive blindness program includes a strong program in genetic counseling. Optometrists can be of substantial assistance to a genetic counseling program by: 1) being informed of the various types of inherited ocular disorders, and their modes of transmission. 2) becoming aware of the presence of disorders in other members of the patient's family, and 3) encouraging the affected family members to seek genetic counseling prior to conception. This article is designed to serve as a guide for familiarizing the practicing O.D. with the various types of inheritance patterns, specific disorders which follow these inheritance patterns, and some of the ocular and systemic characteristics of the disorders. Only those anomalies of structure and/or function which have an identifiable (and therefore a predictable) genetic mode of transmission will be discussed. This article is intended to serve as a brief and general review of some of the more common ocular disorders, and not as a comprehensive text on the genetics of ophthalmic diseases. Emphasis is placed on the optometric management of each disease discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1977

The cause of blindness in children: a review of the literature.

A review of the epidemiological literature dealing with the distribution of affections causing blindness in children was performed. Twenty-one studies throughout the world during the past twenty years were found and analyzed. The emergence of genetic factors and the decline of infectious factors as causative agents is discussed with the emphasis on the need for prevention from a public health standpoint.

Blindness↗
PubMed1977

Applied genetics for the practicing optometrist. Part II.

Part I included a discussion of the four modes of single gene inheritance and examples of ocular anomalies which follow these modes. Part II will conclude the discussion by presenting other transmission forms in conjunction with examples of ocular anomalies characteristic of each. These two articles are designed to serve only as a guide for familiarizing the practicing O.D. with the various types of inheritance patterns, and not as a comprehensive text on the genetics of ophthalmic diseases. The reader is referred to the reference list for in-depth information regarding specific disorders.

Cataract↗
PubMed1976

Prevalence of undiagnosed eye/vision disorders in a VA hospital.

A study population of one hundred and one subjects, chosen according to recommended epidemiologic procedures to assure an accurate representation of the total Birmingham veteran population, were given complete optometric examinations. The primary criterion for inclusion in the study was a need for coming to the hospital on the interview day for any health problem other than visual or ocular. The results of the statistical analysis showed agreement between the Birmingham veteran population and the general population with regard to vision and ocular disorders. Presbyopia was found to be the most prevalent vision disorder, and fifty-four per cent of the study population needed either prescription lenses for the first time or a significant change in their present spectacles for maximum visual acuity. When this figure is projected nationally, fifty-four percent of the fourteen million outpatients treated last year in VA medical care facilities would represent 7,616,000 veterans in need of vision care services annually. In fact, since the sample average age was 46, and the average age for veterans nationally is 55, the figure for those with uncorrected vision defects may be even higher.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Optometry and genetic counseling: the first lines of defense against blindness.

Genetic diseases may be present at birth or may be manifested later in life. The best preventative measure for either type is early referral of the affected family for genetic counseling. Since several genetic disorders include ocular complications either primarily or secondarily, optometrists are likely to encounter some of these disorders. If the family is unaware of the hereditary pattern, they should be referred to a geneticist to be advised of the risk rates for having future children affected. A partial listing of the counseling centers throughout the United States is provided.

Blindness↗