The socioeconomic impact of inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) in Belgium: A cost-of-illness study.

This study examined the impact of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) on people, families and society in Belgium in 2023. The findings showed that IRDs have a significant effect on daily activities and mental health, with 96% of patients reporting difficulties with daily activities and 81% reporting an impact on their mental health. The average annual cost was estimated at €37,228 per patient, with a total societal burden of €129.4 million. Most costs were linked to lost productivity and unpaid care provided by family members, rather than healthcare expenses. The study highlights the need to recognise the wider impact of IRDs and improve support for patients and families.

Ine Vandersmissen ,Janice Geers ,Tom Denee,Salla Oinasmaa,Dagmar Hoeben,Xinyi Zhang,Burcak Aydin,Simone Cheung,Lorenzo Billiet,Inge Joniau,Avril Daly,Steven Simoens ,Bart P. Leroy https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0339332

Published in PLOS One: January 27, 2026