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Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness in South Africa and it is a condition that, if not treated promptly, can result in permanent vision loss.

Because of its prevalence and potential severity, it is a top priority for healthcare providers. In South Africa, Medical Aid Schemes frequently include benefits for Glaucoma treatment to facilitate early diagnosis and effective management, lowering long-term healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

This article is a one-stop resource, covering everything from the disease’s symptoms to the available treatment options. Furthermore, we will shed light on Medical Aid Schemes that include Glaucoma benefits, emphasizing the importance of financial preparedness in managing this condition. In this article you will learn:

The Best Medical Aid Schemes that cover Glaucoma in South Africa (2024) – a List
Which Medical Aid Schemes in SA cover Lasik Eye Surgery, Glasses, Eye Drops, and the newest, Effective Treatment for Glaucoma
What is the fastest way to reduce eye pressure and, what worsens it?
Can you claim for having Glaucoma and what does Glaucoma treatment cost?
When is it too late to treat Glaucoma – Answered.

and much, MUCH more!

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Glaucoma – a Comparison

🔎 Provider	↪️ Cover Glaucoma	➡️ Top Plan Covering Glaucoma
🥇 Fedhealth	✅ Yes	FlexiFED Savvy
🥈 Bestmed	✅ Yes	Rhythm 1
🥉 Bonitas	✅ Yes	Primary
🏅 Cape Medical Plan	✅ Yes	HealthPact Select
🎖️ CompCare	✅ Yes	SelfNet
🏆 Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Classic Core
🥇 Genesis	✅ Yes	Med200
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Value
🥉 KeyHealth	✅ Yes	Gold
🏅 Makoti Medical	✅ Yes	Primary
🎖️ MediHelp	✅ Yes	MedPlus
🏆 MediMed	✅ Yes	MediSave Max
🥇 MedShield	✅ Yes	Premium Plus
🥈 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Summit
🥉 Suremed	✅ Yes	Shuttle
🏅 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Universal

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Glaucoma (2024)

☑️ FedHealth – Overall, the Best Medical Aid Scheme covering Glaucoma in South Africa (2024)
☑️ Bestmed – Covers the Diagnosis of Glaucoma
☑️ Bonitas – Offers Glaucoma screening, and, Visual Field Screening
☑️ Cape Medical Plan – Customized Medical Aid Plans
☑️ CompCare – Access to a Network of Accredited Medical Professionals
☑️ Discovery Health – Covers emergencies and other medical services
☑️ Genesis – Non-Network Restricted Medical Aid
☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Trusted South African-Based Medical Aid
☑️ KeyHealth – Affordable and Comprehensive Medical Aid
☑️ Makoti Medical – Access to Generous cover across a wide range of service
☑️ MediHelp – Flexible Healthcare Solutions
☑️ MediMed – Best Medical Aid for Individuals
☑️ MedShield – Popular Medical Aid for Young Professionals
☑️ Momentum Health – Chronic cover is available for an additional 36 conditions at any provider
☑️ Suremed – Cost-Effective Medical Care
☑️ Thebemed – Unlimited Private Hospital cover at network hospitals

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma seriously threatens eye health in South Africa, often resulting in irreversible vision loss if left untreated. This segment aims to debunk glaucoma by providing an in-depth look at what the condition entails, its prevalence in South Africa, and treatment options.

Understanding glaucoma is the first step toward proactive eye care, especially given that Medical Aid Schemes cover it due to its potential severity.

Overview of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is frequently caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye and, if not treated promptly, can result in irreversible blindness.

The condition is especially deceptive because it usually begins asymptomatic, which means you may not notice any symptoms until the disease has advanced significantly.

Glaucoma Stats in South Africa

Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in South Africa, accounting for 8% of blindness cases among 39 million people. Compared to white populations, open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is more common and begins at a younger age. OAG prevalence varies according to region and population group.

For example, in South Africa’s Western Cape, OAG was found to have a prevalence of 1.5%, while primary angle closure glaucoma had a prevalence of 2.3%. OAG affected 3.1% of people over 40 in Tanzania, accounting for 5% of all cases of blindness.

A concerning trend is that glaucoma in Africans begins earlier and progresses faster, resulting in blindness earlier than in Caucasians. Furthermore, in most of Africa, only about one in every twenty people with the disease is aware of it, with more than half presenting with unilateral blindness.

The South African Eye Study (SAES) discovered ethnic differences in central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure, important glaucoma risk factors. Furthermore, people of African descent have a higher prevalence of glaucoma than other ethnic groups in South Africa.

Can glaucoma be cured, and how?

Although there is no known cure for glaucoma, its progression can be slowed or prevented through early detection and treatment.

If diagnosed in the initial phases of development, vision loss may be avoided by adhering to a prescribed treatment plan that typically includes medications like eye drops and laser treatments or surgical procedures that aim to reduce intraocular pressure.

Following your healthcare provider’s recommended course of action is important to manage this condition effectively.

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Glaucoma Curability and Management

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss. Regular eye exams for early detection are part of management strategies, especially for those at higher risk.

The first line of treatment is medication, usually in the form of eye drops. Surgical options such as trabeculectomy or drainage implants may be considered for more severe cases.

Furthermore, Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa frequently cover these treatments, making it financially feasible for patients to manage this condition in the long run.

Glaucoma Symptoms

The following are some of the common symptoms of glaucoma:

✅ Severe eye pain
✅ Patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision
✅ Nausea and vomiting
✅ Tunnel vision in advanced stages
✅ Redness of the eye
✅ Elevated intraocular pressure
✅ Blurred vision
✅ Halos around lights

Severe eye pain

The onset of acute angle-closure glaucoma can bring about intense eye discomfort, leaving the affected person incapacitated and needing immediate medical care. In South Africa, Medical Aid Schemes commonly extend coverage to emergency interventions under these circumstances.

Patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision

One of the first signs of glaucoma is the appearance of patchy blind spots in your peripheral (side) or central vision. These blind spots, which can occur in one or both eyes, are frequently overlooked.

Regular eye examinations are critical for early detection, particularly for South Africans at higher risk due to age or ethnicity.

Nausea and vomiting

Elevated pressure within the eye can lead to intense eye pain, nausea, and vomiting in extreme cases. This condition necessitates urgent medical attention as it is a critical situation. Fortunately, South African Medical Aid Schemes commonly cover emergency treatments of this nature.

Tunnel vision in advanced stages

The field of vision may narrow as glaucoma progresses, resulting in tunnel vision. This symptom is especially dangerous for activities requiring a broad field of vision, such as driving. South Africans experiencing advanced symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Redness of the eye

Another symptom that should not be ignored is redness in the eyes. While it can be caused by other factors such as allergies or infections, persistent redness should be checked for glaucoma, especially in high-risk groups in South Africa.

Elevated intraocular pressure

While not a visible symptom, increased intraocular pressure is a key indicator of glaucoma. Regular eye examinations that measure intraocular pressure are critical for early detection and are frequently covered by South African Medical Aid Schemes.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision can indicate high intraocular pressure and potential glaucoma early. Consult an eye specialist if you experience sudden or gradual blurring of vision. Many South African hospitals provide eye screenings to detect early signs of glaucoma.

Halos around lights

Some people with Glaucoma notice halos around lights, especially at night. This can make night-time activities like driving extremely dangerous. South Africans experiencing this symptom should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Glaucoma Treatment

Given the prevalence and potential severity of the condition, navigating the complexities of Glaucoma treatment is critical for South Africans.

This section intends to be a comprehensive guide to the various treatment options, ranging from eye drops to surgical interventions.

Understanding your options for effective Glaucoma management can help you make informed decisions because many Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa cover these treatments. Glaucoma can be treated in the following ways:

✅ Oral Medications
✅ Laser Therapy
✅ Surgical Procedures
✅ Lifestyle Changes
✅ Eye Drops

Oral Medications

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, among other oral medications, could be recommended to reduce intraocular pressure in certain instances.

Typically, these medications are prescribed briefly or as a prelude to surgical procedures. South African individuals seeking the most suitable medication for their requirements should seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

Laser Therapy

Laser Trabeculoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to improve intraocular fluid drainage. When eye drops are ineffective or poorly tolerated, it is generally considered.

Surgical Procedures

Surgical options such as trabeculectomy or drainage implants may be considered in more advanced cases or when other treatments fail. These procedures are designed to either create a new channel for fluid drainage or insert a device that aids in this process.

Lifestyle Changes

While not a replacement for medical treatment, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet can help manage glaucoma.

According to some studies, moderate exercise can help lower intraocular pressure. South Africans can seek personalized advice from their healthcare providers on lifestyle changes that complement their treatment.

Eye Drops

Eye drops containing prostaglandins and beta-blockers are commonly prescribed as the initial treatment for glaucoma.

They function by altering fluid outflow from the eye, thus mitigating intraocular pressure. In South Africa, these medications are readily accessible and usually included in Medical Aid Schemes’ coverage.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Glaucoma

Fedhealth

Fedhealth ensures that medical aid is not a one-size-fits-all but a customized healthcare solution by providing a plethora of options. The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

FlexiFED Savvy
MyFED
FlexiFED 1
FlexiFED 2
FlexiFED 3
FlexiFED 4
Maxima EXEC
Maxima PLUS

Benefits and Cover for glaucoma are also provided via the Maxima EXEC and PLUS Plans.

Bestmed

Bestmed has been recognized for its excellence in customer service and healthcare solutions as an award-winning medical aid provider. The Bestmed website states that the program includes glaucoma maintenance and treatment under Annexure A of the Medical Schemes Act.

The Bestmed Beat 1 – 2, Pace 1 – 4, and, Rhythm 1 – 2 Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma.

Bonitas

Bonitas is the gold standard in healthcare, consistently receiving service quality and member satisfaction accolades. Bonitas covers glaucoma as part of the CDL in South Africa.

The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

✅ BonStart
✅ BonStart Plus
✅ Standard
✅ Standard Select
✅ Primary
✅ Primary Select
✅ BonFit Select
✅ BonSave
✅ BonComplete
✅ BonClassic

Benefits and Cover for glaucoma are also provided via the BonComprehensive, Hospital Standard, BonEssential, BonEssential Select, and, BonCap Medical Aid Plans.

Cape Medical Plan

You are not just a policy number with Cape Medical Plan; you are part of a community that cares about your health. Its plans are designed to give you peace of mind in times of need. The Cape Medical Plan covers the CDL, including glaucoma.

The Cape Medical HealthPact Silver, Premium, and, Select Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma.

CompCare

CompCare stands for dependable medical aid coverage. Their solid infrastructure and smooth claim process make healthcare simple for members. The following CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

✅ NETWORX
✅ SELFNET
✅ MEDX
✅ UNISAVE
✅ MUMED
✅ SELFSURE

Benefits and Cover for glaucoma are also provided via the SYMMETRY, DYNAMIX, and, PINNACLE plans.

Discovery Health

Discovery Health is more than just a medical aid provider; it is a healthcare partner dedicated to improving the lives of its members. All Discovery Health plans cover the cost of 11 glaucoma drugs.

The Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans that provide benefits and cover for glaucoma include the Executive Plan, Classic, Coastal, Essential, and, KeyCare range.

Genesis Medical Scheme

Genesis Medical Scheme, known for its dedication to member well-being, continues to set standards in healthcare delivery. The Genesis Med100, MED200, and, MED200 Plus Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma.

Sizwe Hosmed

Sizwe Hosmed’s extensive network of healthcare providers ensures that its members receive seamless medical aid services. The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Silver Hospital
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO

Benefits and Cover for glaucoma are also provided via the Value, Value Core EDO, Platinum Enhanced, Platinum Enhanced EDO, Plus, and, Titanium Executive Plans.

Keyhealth

Keyhealth has changed people’s perceptions of medical aid by emphasizing member empowerment. The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

✅ Essence
✅ Origin
✅ Equilibrium

Benefits and Cover for glaucoma are also provided via the Silver, Gold, and, Platinum Plans.

Makoti Medical Scheme

Makoti Medical Scheme is a model for community-focused medical aid with a history of social responsibility. Makoti covers glaucoma under the Primary and Comprehensive medical aid plans.

Medihelp

Medihelp’s dedication to member-centric services has distinguished it in the South African medical aid market. The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

✅ MedElect Student
✅ MedVital Elect
✅ MedVital
✅ MedMove!
✅ MedAdd Elect
✅ MedAdd

Benefits and Cover for glaucoma are also provided via the MedSave, MedElect, MedPrime Elect, MedPrime, MedElite, and, MedPlus Plans.

Medimed Medical Scheme

Medimed is a beacon of dependability in the medical aid landscape, providing emergency medical aid around the clock. Glaucoma is covered by Medimed. According to the Medimed website, as part of their ophthalmology benefit, they cover the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

The Medimed Medisave Essential, Alpha, Medisave Standard, and, Medisave Max Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma.

Medshield

For families and individuals looking for dependable medical aid, Medshield is the go-to option thanks to its innovative approach to healthcare financing.

According to the Medshield website, their MediValue plan offers substantial limited yearly hospital coverage, necessary day-to-day benefits, appealing maternity benefits, and coverage for 26 PMB chronic diseases, including glaucoma.

The following Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediPlus Prime
✅ MediPlus Compact
✅ MediSaver
✅ MediBonus
✅ PremiumPlus

Benefits and Cover for Glaucoma are also made available via the MediSaver, MediBonus, and, Premium Plus plans.

Momentum Health

Momentum Health is one of the most trusted names in South African health care, and they put both quality and cost first. The Momentum Health Ingwe, Evolve, Custom, Incentive, Extender, and, Summit Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma.

Suremed

Suremed takes pride in its upfront pricing, guaranteeing members are never surprised by unforeseen expenses. The Suremed Health Shuttle, Explorer, Navigator, and, Challenger Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma.

Thebemed

Thebemed’s medical aid plans are made with you in mind so that you can have a personalized experience with your care. The Thebemed Universal EDO, Universal, Energy, and, Fantasy Plans provide benefits and cover for glaucoma.

In Conclusion

Glaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness in South Africa and patients who struggle with their eyesight must select a Medical Scheme that includes benefits for Glaucoma treatment and facilitates early diagnosis and effective management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does medical aid cover glaucoma testing in South Africa?

Yes, most Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa include glaucoma testing as part of their benefits, particularly for those considered at high risk.

Is glaucoma covered under medical aid in South Africa?

Yes, glaucoma treatment in South Africa is generally covered by Medical Aid Schemes, including medications, laser therapy, and surgical procedures.

Is glaucoma medicine expensive in South Africa?

Glaucoma medication costs vary, but it is generally considered affordable, particularly when covered by Medical Aid Schemes.

How much does glaucoma medication cost in South Africa?

Glaucoma medication can cost between R200 and R500 per month, depending on the type and brand, but Medical Aid frequently covers these costs.

What is the best medicine for glaucoma in South Africa?

The “best” medicine for glaucoma varies from patient to patient and is best determined by a healthcare provider, who takes the specific type and severity of the condition into account.

When is it too late to treat glaucoma?

When significant, irreversible vision loss has occurred, it is considered too late to treat glaucoma, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

What is Stage 4 glaucoma?

Stage 4 glaucoma is the most advanced stage of the disease, with severe optic nerve damage and extensive vision loss, which can lead to blindness.

How long does glaucoma take to damage the eyes?

Depending on the type and severity of the condition, the time it takes for glaucoma to damage the eyes can range from months to years.

What should glaucoma patients avoid?

Patients with glaucoma should avoid activities that significantly raise eye pressure, such as heavy lifting, excessive caffeine, and poor medication adherence.

Should I worry if I have glaucoma?

No, while glaucoma is a serious condition, early detection and treatment can help control its progression, lowering the risk of severe vision loss.

Does Discovery cover glaucoma?

Yes, Discovery Health, a leading Medical Aid provider in South Africa, generally covers both glaucoma testing and treatment as part of its healthcare plans.

Can you claim for glaucoma in South Africa?

Yes, depending on the benefits of your specific plan, you can generally claim for glaucoma treatments and tests through your South African Medical Aid Scheme.

Can a GP treat glaucoma in South Africa?

Although a General Practitioner (GP) can initiate basic treatment and refer you to an ophthalmologist for specialized care, an eye care specialist best handles ongoing glaucoma management.

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