Genetics and prevention of blindness.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the perception of Brazilian ophthalmologists regarding the role played by Genetics in their routine medical activity and their conduct when dealing with patients, with hereditary diseases who need genetic counseling.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted by means of invitations to participate in an interview on this subject. The questionnaires were sent to 200 ophthalmologists who work in the area of Campinas, SP, Brazil.


RESULTS
Among the 73 professionals who answered the questionnaire (36%), there was a high rate of positive answers (49-88%) concerning their knowledge of genetics and a low rate (10-33%) of use of this knowledge in their clinical practice. The frequency of genetic ophthalmopathies in clinical practice was relevant in the opinion of 68% of the interviewees; 92% indicated a relevant relationship between genetically determined ocular disorders and the prevention of blindness through detection, early treatment and genetic counseling. More extensive genetic knowledge was considered indispensable to 84% of the professionals, but 16% answered that it was irrelevant.


CONCLUSIONS
Although these ophthalmologists have basic notions of genetics (88,0%) and are aware of its importance in the prevention of blindness, a great majority of Brazilian ophthalmologists have not acquired adequate knowledge of genetics and, in practice, rarely use its therapeutic and preventive potential.
Rim
Priscila Hae Hyun
PH
Departamento de Oftalmo-Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. priscilarim@uol.com.br
Magna
Luis Alberto
LA
Ramalho
Antonio Sérgio
AS
D000328:Adult; D001766:Blindness / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001938:Brazil; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015785:Eye Diseases, Hereditary / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires