Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment Cost

Typical costs:

• Patients who experience symptoms^[4] typically start out with a visit to an eye doctor. The national average charge for a comprehensive eye exam is $114 for those without insurance. For patients with vision insurance coverage, the typical copay is $5-$35.
• Patients who are diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa may find it helpful to see a low-vision specialist^[5] who can aid in adapting to vision loss. A typical low-vision evaluation costs between $100 and $200, but fees vary depending on region. Some health insurers do offer limited coverage for low vision services, but are unlikely to cover low-vision devices, such as magnifiers, that a specialist might prescribe.
• Wearing dark sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may help to preserve vision. UV protectant sunglasses can cost $15-$150, depending on brand, type and durability. This UV protectant pair^[6] designed especially for people with low vision, costs about $33-$50, based on the type of lens purchased.
• Some studies^[7] have suggested that high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin A palmitate, $13 for 240 tablets at The Vitamin Shoppe^[8] , may help slow the progression of the disease. However, high doses of vitamin A may also damage the liver and should only be taken under the supervision of a health care provider.

• In addition to taking a complete medical history, an eye doctor may perform tests^[9] to see how much of the retina is affected, including a refraction test^[10] or using a lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope to examine the eye.
• Symptoms^[11] of retinitis pigmentosa, such as loss of night vision or peripheral vision, often first appear in childhood, but severe problems typically do not develop until adulthood.

• It may be necessary to make annual or more frequent visits to an eye care specialist.
• Because the condition can be inherited, genetic counseling and testing may help determine whether a patient's children are at risk for it. Some health insurers, like Aetna^[12] , will cover genetic testing for retinitis pigmentosa if certain criteria are met.
• Low-vision aids^[13] such as a basic magnifier, which can cost $5-$50 or more, depending on the brand, size and level of sophistication, may help patients navigate everyday life.

• Nearby chapters of the Lions Club International^[14] may provide free or low cost vision aids or other services.

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides a searchable database of ophthalmologists^[15] .
• VisionAware, an online resource center, offers advice^[16] on shopping for low vision aids, accessibility tips, and other info. What's more, Lowvision.org has list of doctors^[17] who provide low vision services on its site.
• AllAboutVision.com offers tips on buying UV-protectant sunglasses^[18] .

1.  www.blindness.org/index.php?option=com_content&id=50&Itemid=67
2.  www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7931
3.  www.umm.edu/ency/article/001029trt.htm
4.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002024/
5.  www.allaboutvision.com/lowvision/findadoctor.htm
6.  www.noir-medical.com/conditions/retinis_pigmentosa.html
7.  www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/pigmentosa.asp
8.  www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=CL-1596&sourceType=cs&source=FG...
9.  www.umm.edu/ency/article/001029sym.htm
10.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004297/
11.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002024/
12.  www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0140.html
13.  www.lowvision.org/low_vision_aids.htm
14.  /directory.lionsclubs.org/?language=EN&__utma=1.1460841411.1322580270.1322580270.132258...
15.  www.aao.org/find_eyemd.cfm
16.  www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=8&SectionID=115&DocumentID=5960
17.  www.lowvision.org/professi.htm
18.  www.allaboutvision.com/faq/sunglasses.htm

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