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 |  | Eye Exam: $5-$114+ |  | Surgery: $2,000-$10,000 |
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Often with age, the vitreous--a substance in the eye that keeps the retina in contact with the back of the eye wall, among other things--loses its gel-like consistency and separates from the retina. This condition, called a vitreous detachment[1] , is not sight-threatening and will affect most adults by the time they are 70. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of cases will not require treatment, but because there may be an associated retinal hole or tear, it's important to be examined when symptoms[2] arise.
Typical costs: | - Patients who experience symptoms such as bright flashes of light or an increase in floaters, 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.
Related articles: Eye Exam, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - An eye doctor will conduct a dilated eye examination[3] when symptoms first occur, and then again, usually about a month after the initial exam.
- If the vitreous detachment has occurred without retinal tearing, no treatment will be necessary. In general, symptoms will become less noticeable over time, or subside completely.
- If the vitreous detachment has created a hole or tear or lead to retinal detachment, prompt treatment[4] will be needed to prevent serious vision loss. Treatment options will depend on the type, location and extent of the tear or detachment.
Additional costs: | - Some procedures to address minor tears, such as cryopexy, which uses a freezing probe to seal the retina, may be performed in a doctor's office, and often cost about $2,000-$5,000, depending on the extent and position of the tear, and whether there are complications. However, retinal detachments may require more complicated surgery which typically costs about $5,000-$10,000, once fees for the doctor, hospital and anesthesiologist have been included.
- For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10%-50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average hospital copay for outpatient surgery is $132 and for inpatient surgery is $232.The average coinsurance rate is 17%-18%.
Discounts: | - Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital [5] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges.
- They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.
Shopping for vitreous detachment treatment: | - The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides a database of ophthalmologists[6] .
- The Mayo Clinic offers a list of tips[7] to help patients prepare for a visit to the eye doctor.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/ocular_health/hic_what_is_a_posterior_vitreous_de...
- www.nei.nih.gov/health/vitreous/vitreous.asp#c
- www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/eyeexam.asp
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/retinal-detachment/DS00254/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
- www.sjo.org/Patients_Visitors/Your_Hospital_Bill/ Self_Pay_Discount_Program.aspx
- www.aao.org/find_eyemd.cfm
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/retinal-detachment/DS00254/DSECTION=preparing-for-your-a...
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