Aniridia

Background: The eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) program is a research resource for inherited eye conditions which includes genotypic and phenotypic data, imaging, and a corresponding biobank of DNA samples from people with a variety of eye diseases. Since 2007 this registry has been helping researchers learn more about the genetic sources for many inherited eye diseases. These findings helped them create better treatments. Now researchers want to expand eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) to include more people for certain eye diseases. Objective: To collect information and DNA samples for the study of eye diseases. * Primary objective --To expand the current eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) data repository with targeted participant accrual * Secondary objectives * To enhance recruitment for clinical trials and investigations in inherited eye diseases * To establish genotype-phenotype correlations for rare eye diseases Eligibility: People of any age with certain eye diseases. These can include aniridia; Best disease; blue-cone monochromacy; corneal dystrophy; and disorders of pigmentation, such as albinism. Relatives unaffected by the eye disease of interest may also be needed. Design: Researchers will select participants based on their diagnosis. The data may include images and test results from eye exams. Participants will provide a sample of saliva. They will receive a kit with written instructions. They will spit in a tube and mail it to the NIH. Participants may be asked to provide a blood sample. The blood may be drawn at the NIH or at a local clinic. The eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) repository will offer researchers data about the participants eye conditions. The data may include pictures of their eyes, results of the genetic testing, and history of other diseases. Researchers will be able to see data such as age and gender, but they will not see names, dates of birth, or contact information.

Congenital malformations of the eye comprise various developmental defects including microphthalmia, anophthalmia, aniridia, and anterior segment anomalies (such as Peters and Axenfeld-Rieger anomalies). These malformations are frequently associated with extra-ocular features and intellectual disability. However, little is known about visual outcome, frequency and consequences of extra-ocular features in patients. The originality of the project will be to include a spectrum of malformation thought to be a phenotypic continuum (anophthalmia, microphthalmia, aniridia, anterior segment dysgnesis). In addition, we aim to conduct a 10 year follow-up of these children, thus allowing determining ocular and neurological outcomes as any other medical event. We should also be able to determine phenotypic factors that would be associated with good or poor visual and neurologic outcomes

Keratopathy of patients with aniridia leads to epithelial scarring disorders and a progressive clouding of the cornea linked to this abnormal healing (fibrosis). Treatment with autologous serum is usually undertaken to promote epithelial healing. However, autologous serum does not prevent the formation of fibrosis, whereas growth factor-rich plasma appears to be associated with a reduction in the in vitro expression of fibrosis markers. This study seeks to compare the in vitro healing and anti-fibrotic properties of autologous serum and growth factor rich plasma from aniridia patients and healthy controls.

CoRDS, or the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford, is based at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It provides researchers with a centralized, international patient registry for all rare diseases. This program allows patients and researchers to connect as easily as possible to help advance treatments and cures for rare diseases. The CoRDS team works with patient advocacy groups, individuals and researchers to help in the advancement of research in over 7,000 rare diseases. The registry is free for patients to enroll and researchers to access. Visit sanfordresearch.org/CoRDS to enroll.