Do Medical Aids Cover Glaucoma Treatment?
The short answer to the question is “yes”. Glaucoma is one of those conditions listed as a
Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB for short). This condition is not fatal, and in most cases, a cure can be
expected.
Medical schemes are required by law to provide full cover for all
the different types of glaucoma. This cover must
extend to the cost of diagnosis, treatment, and care, including medication. Cover must even be provided for
certain surgical procedures such as laser treatment, the removal of the iris, and all costs of surgical
management.
In some cases, it may be necessary to ask the attending doctor to write a motivation for approval
by the scheme.
More About Glaucoma
This condition affects the eyes. It is caused when the optic nerve that connects the eye to the
brain is damaged. When it comes to diseases that cause blindness, glaucoma is second only to
cataracts.
What Causes It?
There is a chamber in front of the human eye that contains a clear fluid. In normal people small
amounts of this fluid are released periodically to avoid pressure. If excess fluid is not released,
pressure builds up and this eventually damages the optic nerve.
What Are The Symptoms For The Four Types Of Glaucoma?
· Chronic or open-angle glaucoma is the most
common form of this disease. In this case, pressure builds up gradually. The patient feels no discomfort at first
and no symptoms manifest themselves until the disease is already in an advanced
stage.
· Angle-Closure
glaucoma occurs when there is a sudden blockage. This can be caused by certain medicines or
inflammation of the eye. Patients experience pain, develop headaches, and may be
nauseous.
· Secondary glaucoma is very similar to
sudden-closure. It is described as any type of glaucoma that is caused by disease, medicines, infections, and
inflammations.
· Glaucoma can be hereditary, and a very small number of infants are born with the disease.
Such babies are very sensitive to light and tend to twitch their eyes
continually.
How Do They Test For The Disease?
There are five popular tests, and you may have to undergo more than one of them. The tests are
very effective, and patients do not experience much discomfort.
1. The visual acuity test is very similar to the tests they carry out when testing for
spectacles.
2. The pressure test is conducted by
measuring the pressure within the eye.
3. In some cases, the specialist will
use an ophthalmoscope to conduct a detailed investigation.
4. A gonioscopy is conducted when it
is necessary to investigate the outer edges of the eyes.
5. A physical examination of the optic
nerve is also sometimes deemed necessary.
Is Glaucoma Very Common?
It is common enough. In South Africa, approximately five percent of all people suffer from glaucoma. A quarter of all blindness
cases can be directly connected to this disease. It is certainly worthwhile to ask for tests if any symptoms are
experienced. © Medical Aid Plan
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NOTES:
Your medical aid quote will include options to suit your pocket. Please ensure that the cover you
select is exactly what you need and that you understand exactly what insurance you are buying. Do not hesitate to
ask questions about the medical aid or hospital cover you choose.