This week 5th to 11th June, 2017  is Glaucoma Awareness Week. The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is a UK charity for people with glaucoma and they are educating people about the importance of eye pressure as part of a regular eye health check.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions. It is where the main nerve to the eye is damaged where it leaves the eye. This nerve  is known as the optic nerve. It carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain and as it becomes damaged vision is lost. This results in misty and patchy vision, with eventual loss of central vision, although this is rare.

This condition affects over 600,000 people in the UK.  The charity itself confirms that half of these cases are undetected, this is why IGA are urging people to have their eyes checked.  If the condition is detected early enough it can be managed and useful sight can usually be maintained throughout your life.

What treatments are available?

There is currently no cure for Glaucoma. It can be controlled and treated with eye drops, which are prescribed as a lifelong treatment.

If eye drops are not be successful in lowering the eye pressure, you may need to have laser or surgical treatment.

How do you know if you are at risk of Glaucoma?

The following factors that can affect your risk of developing Glaucoma include:

– Being over 40

– Family history of Glaucoma

– Short sighted

– Being a Diabetic

– African-Caribbean origin

If you answer “yes” to any of the risk factors above, IGA advise that you should definitely have your eyes tested at least every two years.

Information soured: http://www.glaucoma-association.com/

Is Glaucoma covered under a Private Medical Insurance policy?

Private Medical Insurance policies do not cover chronic conditions. As there is currently no cure for Glaucoma, your Health Insurer would deem this condition to be chronic. On this basis they would only look to cover tests/consultations up until the point of diagnosis. This is subject to policy underwriting and the insurer’s specific terms and conditions regarding this. There is one insurer General and Medical who will allow you to add cover for some pre-existing conditions. Glaucoma is one of the conditions they will consider.

If you would like to know more about Private Medical Insurance and what benefits are available, then our experienced team will be more than happy to help you. You can contact us on 01245 929129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com