Need or Want: Laser Eye Surgery, Finances and the NHS

by | May 7, 2015 | Health Featured

If you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and are looking for a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution to your eye issues, laser surgery could be the answer.

Anyone considering laser eye surgery as an option will undoubtedly have a number of important questions that they want answers to before they consider going ahead with the procedure.

The normal concerns that many eye surgery candidates will have are centred on how much the surgery is likely to cost, how effective it is and also whether the procedure is relatively painless or if there are any side-effects or issues that they need to know about.

Finding and funding a solution

As you will find when you visit a site like Laser Eye Surgery Hub, there are a good number of highly qualified surgeons available in your part of the country, so it should not be a problem finding someone suitable.

The first question that many people ask is whether they can get the eye surgery on the NHS or whether they will have to pay privately. Laser eye surgery is available on the NHS, but there are certain conditions that have to be met in order for a patient to qualify for treatment using public-funded resources.

Deteriorating eyesight is distressing and it is understandable that you would want to try and improve your eye health, but the general rule with regard to the NHS, is that unless you have an eye condition that can lead to blindness, you may not qualify for help.

Corrective surgery

Many people require correction surgery for common issues such as hyperopia (long-sightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness) but the current NHS rules state that these conditions are regarded as cosmetic rather than medical issues and therefore not eligible for eye surgery through the NHS.

The reason they take this stance is presumably monetary and the cost of funding these operations, but it is also because there are considered to be effective ways of combatting these conditions, in the form of contact lenses and glasses.

Conditions that can lead to blindness

There are a number of specific eye conditions which can lead to blindness and are therefore often covered by the NHS.

Patients who suffer from diabetes, often suffer a common complication in the form of Diabetic Retinopathy, which is when the blood vessels leak or bleed onto the back of the eye. This requires attention as if it is left untreated, it can lead to symptoms of blurred and distorted vision, leading to gradual or sudden blindness if the condition is not addressed through surgery to remove the problematic blood vessels.

Wet Macular Degeneration often occurs naturally rather than being a symptom of another condition. Routine eye tests often identify this issue, which is why it is important to have regular eye checks.

Treating this condition also involves removal of the blood vessels at the back of the eye and surgery can be available on the NHS for this procedure.

Cataracts are also generally associated with the aging process and the NHS will normally consider offering surgery once the cataracts begin to affect your ability to carry out routine tasks and live an independent and normal life.

Alternative solutions

Many patients will not wish to wait until their eye health deteriorates sufficiently enough in order to be considered as a suitable case for NHS treatment, which is why laser eye surgery through private clinics is an increasingly popular option.

Depending on the type and complexity of the surgery that you require, you might expect a bill for private treatment that is anywhere between upwards of £500 and up to £2,500 on average. These amounts are just a guide and you will obviously be given a specific quote when you make enquiries about having laser eye surgery away from the NHS.

About laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery is still a relatively new technology, although thousands of procedures have already been carried out and confidence is high about the success and level of safety involved.

There is always a risk associated with any type of surgery so you need to take that into consideration. You also need to appreciate that our eyes do change like the rest of our body, over time. This means that you may need to repeat your treatment at a later date to maintain your standard of vision or address any subsequent eye health issues you have.

Only you can decide if laser eye surgery is worth the money and the risk, albeit minimal. Glasses and contact lenses can resolve a number of standard eye problems but with so many funding options offered by private clinics to help you pay for your treatment, you may decide that is worth taking action and having laser eye surgery.

Sophie Hammond is a financial consultant. She likes to share her experience by posting online. Her articles appear on many lifestyle and finance websites.

 

 

 

 

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