Every year The World Glaucoma Week takes on a common theme and adapts it to local communities. This creates and effective awareness project relevant to the general population.

There are many issues that need to be addressed to try and eliminate glaucoma blindness. The earlier the diagnosis in patients the better. The earlier glaucoma is discovered and treated, it is less likely that a person will become blind.

World Glaucoma Week aims to alert members of the wider community of the need to have eye checks at regular intervals. Regular eye checks would ensure earlier detection of glaucoma and heighten the chances of saving sight.

What is Glaucoma?

This is the name for a group of eye diseases. If left untreated most types of it will progress without any warning or obvious symptoms. Gradually the visual damage will worsen and can eventually lead to blindness. Once sight has been lost to glaucoma it is unlikely to be reversible. Glaucoma is referred to as the “silent blinding disease” or the “sneak thief of sight”.

Are there different types of Glaucoma?

There are different types of glaucoma the two most common types are:

• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG)

How is Glaucoma diagnosed?

The best way of detecting glaucoma is by having regular eye tests with your optician/ eye-care professional. They do not take very long and are painless. These tests could include one or all of the following:

• Using drops to dilate your pupils and examine your eyes
• Do a test called tonometry to measure your intraocular pressure (IOP) and see if your levels are within the normal range.
• Perform a field vision test to check your peripheral vision and ensure you are not losing any side vision.
• Check your optic nerve for any signs of glaucoma. At times, photographs are taken so that they can spot any changes during your next visit.

The above information has been sourced from the following website. Follow the link to find out more in-depth information about who is at risk, how glaucoma can be prevented and how it is treated.  https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/

Can you get optical cover with private medical insurance?

Many of the private medical insurance policies available in the UK will allow you to add optical cover as an extra. This will give you a pot of money you could use towards eye tests/ glasses. Health cash plans also offer cover for optical benefits. The higher the level of cover you opt for, the more money you would have available for optical cash back.

There is also one provider who will offer you an optical only plan which is unique in the UK market.

The team at SMP Healthcare would be happy to assist you in finding a policy that will help you fund your optical care. Please contact us via either of the options below:

Telephone:  01245 929129/ 0800 047 0127

Email: enquiries@smphealthcare.com