Screening
RP is a heterogeneous disease caused by mutations in over 100 genes. Screening of an asymptomatic population without a family history of disease is not useful or cost-effective. Screening of asymptomatic family members by clinical evaluation may follow an informed discussion between patient and physician. Due to the lack of effective treatment for most forms of RP, the testing of asymptomatic children with a family history of RP must take into account the psychological ramifications versus the benefit of such testing. In general, testing is not recommended unless children manifest symptoms. Furthermore, due to variable age of onset even within families, a normal test in a child does not exclude the diagnosis.
For asymptomatic adults who are 65 years or older, the US Preventive Services Task Force concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against screening for impaired visual acuity.[27][28]
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