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    Retinitis Pigmentosa includes a group of inherited, progressive retinal dystrophies, characterized by rod- and cone-photoreceptor degeneration and progressive loss of vision.

    As the disease progresses, more photoreceptors are lost and patients experience a reduction  in visual field (i.e., tunnel blindness) which eventually leads to blindness and legal and functional disability. Progressively worsening symptoms can include:  

    • Tunnel vision due to a restricted visual field and loss of peripheral vision
    • Low or blurry vision at night while driving, or night blindness
    • Sparkling spots and/ or light flashes
    • Very slow dark-light adaptation
    • Photosensitivity

    Read more about signs and symptoms of RP

    A loss in visual field - as results from retinitis pigmentosa - leads to many deficits including reading ability. As the disease progresses, reading takes longer and is accomplished with an increased number of pauses. Compensatory actions - like hand movements to centre the characters being read in the visual field or head movements to extend the reading distance - become required. A reducing visual field also causes a change in contrast sensitivity - the ability to distinguish between shades of gray - that influences one’s visual-perceptual state and affects daily visual functioning, lifestyle and social development. There is no question that advanced vision loss negatively affects patients’ social and personal welfare.



    Fedorov Clinic Restore Vision multifocal Electroretinography Adults

    How is Retinitis

    Pigmentosa diagnosed?

    Retinitis pigmentosa can be diagnosed during a routine eye examination if there are abnormal, dark, pigment deposits in the retina, along with progressive complaints related to night blindness and peripheral visual-field defects.

    The following examinations are important to verify and measure the extent of this condition: 
    • Visual field Testing to confirm typical defects in the peripheral (or side) vision;
    • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to confirm damage of photoreceptors (rods and cones) on the retina and to show the extent of their loss;
    • Electroretinogram to confirm the dysfunction or loss of functionality of photoreceptors (i.e., rods and cones);
    • Genetic Subtyping to confirm the presence of the particular gene-defects responsible for the development of retinitis pigmentosa. With the help of genetic testing, a patient can learn about the possibility of transferring any defective genes to future family generations.

    Read more how RP is diagnosed and managed 

     

    Fedorov Clinic Restore Vision multifocal Electroretinography Adults

    Visual Symptoms Caused By Retinitis Pigmentosa

    Progressively worsening symptoms can include:

    Tunnel Vision
    (restricted visual field and loss of peripheral vision)
    Night Blindness
    (vision in dark severely impaired or even lost)
    Increased Sensitivity To Light
    (Glare is a frequent problem)
    Foggy And/Or Blurred Vision
    (advanced RP stage limits the ability to read)

    Fedorov Restoration Therapy

    loss-of-vision-treatment-about-clinic
    Since 1995, we have treated more than 400 patients with retinitis pigmentosa using Fedorov Restoration Therapy, and while we do not claim to make a patient’s retina healthy again, we do expect to see measurable improvements in a person’s vision.
    Fedorov Therapy also prevents further deterioration of the retina - the visual cortex is activated to stimulate the retina, supporting the functionality of retinal neurons. A significant body of evidence shows that electrical therapy causes the release of endogenous growth factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor) that protect against retinal degeneration.

    Retinitis Pigmentosa. We can help.

    for-doctors--results-2
    With retinitis pigmentosa, the extent of vision improvements possible will depend on many factors including the severity of retinal dystrophy, the remaining size of visual areas, the age of the lesion,  and the presence of any structural complications of the retina. We take each of these into account when reviewing your medical records, and will discuss with you in advance of treatment the range of improvements to your vision that can be expected. In our experience, even patients with very limited vision or with disease-related complications have responded positively to Fedorov Restoration Therapy. We have also shown that most of the effects of our treatment are stable over time and, in many cases, repeat courses of treatment can lead to a more significant improvement in sight.

    Treatment Benefits

    Considering that the severity of retinal dystrophy will affect the level of improvement in a person’s vision, we know that our treatments result in:

    What Our Patients Are Saying

    Kimberly Israel
    Kimberly Israel,
    Illinois, United States
    I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a very early age. By sheer luck, I found Fedorov Restore Vision Clinic and received treatment there. Dr. Fedorov and Dr. Chibisova are fantastic. I was so impressed with my results from June 2017 that I returned this May 2018 and again am thrilled with my results. I cannot thank them enough for the vision they have given back to me. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. My message is: 'Do not wait.' They've given me more than just vision. They've given me hope. 
    Bildschirmfoto 2018-07-05 um 05.50.53
    C.Z.,
    Shandong, China

    I was born in Shandong, China, and was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. More dramatic changes with my sight took place in early 2016, when my vision suddenly got much worse. Because of Fedorov Restore Vision Clinic in Berlin I can now live like a normal person. I manage to go everywhere, even at night. According to my experience as a patient of the Restore Vision Clinic, I would recommend this treatment to each retinitis pigmentosa patient.

    Fedorov Clinic Restore Vision RP Patient
    JF,
    Oslo, Norway

    I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2015. Doctors in Norway told me that there was no solution that could help treat RP or even stop the progression of my disease. During the course of receiving Fedorov Therapy in Berlin, I realized positive changes. After returning to Norway, I found out that the results were great. My vision in daylight improved very much. Dr. Fedorov and his team are very professional and took great care with my case before, during and even after the treatment had been completed. A few months later, doctors in Norway did follow-up visual field tests, and the results showed a stable improvement. 

    FAQ

    How does Fedorov Restoration Therapy work?
    Fedorov Therapy is based on a relatively new technology developed in the 1990s and used clinically since 1991. Repeated transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS) doesn’t require an operation or the implantation of electrodes in the eye. Fedorov Therapy isn’t aimed at the replacement of damaged cells, but instead is focused on increasing the usefulness of preserved neurons on the retina and on the improvement of conductivity along the optic nerve. Research has shown that, if such stimulation is performed over a period of several weeks, there’s significant activation of the visual system at all levels and throughout the brain. This new, functional state of the visual system is referred to as “ induced plasticity.” Such plasticity is strongly needed to restore sight when there’s deterioration as a result of optic-nerve damage.
    How safe is Fedorov Therapy?

    The safety of this therapy was confirmed in clinical trials conducted in Germany in 2007 to 2013, and in a large group of patients treated in Russia in 1991 to 2004.

    Side effects from Fedorov Restoration Therapy may result when a patient has contraindications. If such contraindications are excluded, there is no risk of adverse effects on vision or any other functions. Some undesired effects such as tiredness, weakness, a short-lived headache and sleep disturbances have been observed, but do not require treatment.
    I have advanced retinal cell damage. Is there any chance my vision will improve with therapy?
    The results of Fedorov Restoration Therapy depend on many individual factors. Advanced retinal cell-damage requires several courses of Fedorov Therapy in combination with visual training to produce improvement. More than half of our patients have advanced damage, and, with our collective experience, we’ve been able to help them. Severe structural damage limits the possibility of significant improvement, but doesn't exclude it. After your request, we’ll provide you with the list of medical records that we need to review your case.
    When can I expect to see a positive change in my vision?

    Initial positive changes can be observed during the first 10 sessions of Fedorov Therapy. With repeated visual-field tests, the degree of change can be estimated after two weeks. In most cases, you should see a stable improvement within four to eight weeks after the treatment. In the case of progressive vision deterioration (e.g., glaucoma), Fedorov Therapy is able to significantly slow down the progression of the condition or even stop it.
    The resulting improvement is typically stable. Follow-up results one year after treatment have shown 80% to 85% stable improvement. Instability can take place if there are factors that affect vision negatively, like elevated eye pressure for glaucoma patients.

    What can I expect my treatment to include?
    1. Before treatment begins, we have a comprehensive discussion with you about your options, and we perform a vision exam. Once we have the test results and understand the condition of your eyesight, we’ll provide you with a treatment plan. The possible results of the Fedorov Therapy are discussed with you at that time.
    2. Treatment sessions are performed over a two week period, from Monday to Friday. Each session’s duration is 60-90 minutes.
    3. Once your course of therapy is complete, you’re thoroughly examined and your results are discussed.
    4. We provide you with a Findings Report that includes the results of your ophthalmological exam. We also develop a Personalized Care Plan with possible strategies for the upcoming months, and customized for your specific needs.
    How do you assess whether Fedorov Therapy will help improve my vision?

    To determine if Fedorov Therapy will benefit you, we need to review your relevant medical records. Before doing so, however, we need to first rule out possible contraindications to our therapy. For that, a checklist must be completed; only after we review the information in your checklist, and confirm there are no contraindications, will we start a thorough review of your medical records. 

    Usually, our review of your medical condition is processed within two to three working days. At the very least, we’ll want to assess the following:  (a) ophthalmological reports with detailed results of eyesight evaluation; (b) visual field charts. In cases of extremely low vision, this may not be available; (c) other relevant records and test results such as optic nerve and retina OCT, brain MRI, or CT reports; (d) a narrative of the history of the vision problem written by you.

    If you don’t have copies of your history, we’ll ask you to obtain copies of your medical files from your healthcare provider. Our referral form will be provided on demand.

    If you aren’t able to send us the required package of medical information, but you feel that you are a candidate for Fedorov Therapy, we can still help. We will help to collect the required evaluations, ophthalmological tests and exams to determine if our treatment is right for you. You will be charged for that service.

    We have found that our services are not typically covered by insurance. We suggest that patients should be prepared for the out-of-pocket expense for the treatment. We can provide upon your request the cost of our services, testing and therapies.

    Does the Fedorov Electrical Stimulation Therapy improve quality of life?
    The improvement of quality of life is our main goal. We reach this through a combination of different medical approaches, such as Fedorov Therapy, visual training, and medications. Once the vision restoration treatment starts, many of our patients have a positive response. Keep in mind that increased quality of life can be achieved only if the patient follows our prescribed recommendations. If you entrust your treatment to us, a Personalized Care Plan will be provided; following our tested guidelines can increase your chances of significant vision restoration.

    Get in touch today