AvaGen™ is the genetic eye test that provides answers on your risk for keratoconus and other corneal diseases—helping you and your doctor make confident eye care decisions now.
The AvaGen™ test is unique because it’s:
- Personalized: AvaGen™ uses DNA to accurately assess your individual genetic risk or likelihood of keratoconus, and determine if you have a corneal dystrophy.
- Preemptive: As a genetic test, AvaGen™ relies on your DNA and not physical changes in your eye, so you may be tested before symptoms of keratoconus or corneal dystrophies occur, allowing for earlier detection and proactive management and treatment.
- Painless: A DNA sample is simply taken from the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab.
WHY IS AVAGEN™ IMPORTANT?
Genetic eye conditions including keratoconus and corneal dystrophies are progressive, meaning they will get worse over time if left untreated. In the past, keratoconus and corneal dystrophy eye diseases could only be diagnosed by a doctor physically examining the shape and appearance of your cornea, meaning conditions often went undiagnosed, worsened over time, and permanently affected vision.
Now, AvaGen™ can help your doctor take immediate actions to help protect and preserve your vision or to evaluate treatment decisions, including whether or not you can undergo vision-correcting procedures such as LASIK.
With AvaGen™, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you’re doing the utmost to protect your vision.
HOW IS THE AVAGEN™ TEST PERFORMED?
The AvaGen™ test only requires a simple, in-office cheek swab to gather a sample of your DNA. The test is then sent to a special lab for analysis. After processing, your doctor will inform you of the results, answer questions, and discuss potential next steps.
Comprehensive genetic counseling sessions are available for patients who have undergone testing with the AvaGen™ genetic eye test. Genetic counselors are available to help you understand your genetic eye test results and implications for your family members.
WHY WOULD MY DOCTOR RECOMMEND AVAGEN™?
- You have a family history of certain corneal problems or corneal dystrophy, vision changes, or a family member who had a corneal transplant for unknown reasons.
- Your doctor sees corneal thinning, or suspicious signs such as protein deposits on your corneas.
- You have high or progressive nearsightedness or astigmatism.
- You are considering refractive surgery such as LASIK.
Call Optometric Associates on 717-354-2020 to schedule an eye exam with our New Holland optometrist. Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT
If the office is closed, our eye doctors are still on call 24/7 to help with eyecare & eye care emergencies.