2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
2 Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology
Part III: Genetics
Chapter 6: Clinical Genetics
Clinical Management of Genetic Disease
Complete Explanation of the Disease
Patients are often very anxious when they do not understand the nature of their disease. Carefully explaining the disorder, as currently understood, will often dispel myths patients may have about their disease and their symptoms.
Virtually all genetic disorders confer burdens that may interfere with certain activities later in life. The appropriate time to discuss these burdens with patients and family members is often when they first ask about the consequences of a disease. Such explanations need to be tempered with empathy and an understanding of the possible emotional and psychological effects of this information.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 2 - Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.