Mitochondria
Monthly
Treatment and Cost
Currently, there is no cure for CPEO but there are treatments that patients can undergo to help control their symptoms.
1) Special Glasses
2) Speech-Language Pathologist
Some patients choose to take speech therapy because it helps them to be able to swallow again. Most patients will lose the ability to swallow at some point throughout their time having CPEO. Sometimes, patients may develop vocal palsy which is the paralysis of the vocal cords in which speech therapy would be very beneficial. These sessions can cost around $160 per hour.
Patients with CPEO can wear glasses that have small metal bars called ptosis props (figure 1) that can help to lift up their droopy eyelids. Sometimes the case is too severe and another treatment must be used. These glasses can cost around $150.
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Figure 1. Singh, P. K. (2000). Ptosis Crutch Glasses [Digital image]. Retrieved January 4, 2018, from https://kcdn.indiabizclub.com/upload15A/57/2016/7gw3w30t7gj00t04aki/ptosis-crutch-glasses-1-427.png