What To Know About Senior Vision Care

• Eye health and vision needs will change with age. This means that some seniors without vision insurance should consider coverage.

• Original Medicare does not cover routine eye care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans do offer additional coverage, including vision benefits.

• Stand-alone vision insurance plans through private insurance companies are always an option. Talk to a vision insurance provider to learn options.

Vision needs will change with age. For many older adults, this may include vision loss, vision disease, visual impairment or other vision issues. That’s where vision insurance plans may come into play.

This article will give a basic overview of senior vision care, including eye health tips, Medicare options, and other types of vision insurance for seniors.
 

As people grow older, age-related vision changes are to be expected. These changes may include near-sightedness, trouble distinguishing colors, and additional time needed to adjust to light changes. Additionally, the chance of developing eye diseases and conditions increases with age as well.

Types Of Eye Diseases And Conditions

In addition to routine vision changes that occur with aging, there are a number of eye diseases and conditions.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a type of eye disease. It can blur vision and is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Symptoms can include blurry vision, difficulty seeing details, dark or blank spots, and difficulty seeing in low light.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that causes blindness as well as vision loss in those with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina. If you have diabetes, it’s incredibly important to get an annual eye exam (dilation of the eyes should be performed). If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s incredibly important to get an annual eye exam (dilation of the eyes should be performed). Early symptoms can include floating spots, blurred vision, and double vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes a cloudy lens. Other symptoms include seeing double, being sensitive to light, night vision problems, etc.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma consists of a group of eye disorders that involve increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. consists of a group of eye disorders that involve damage to the optic nerve. This damage to the optic nerve can then lead to vision loss. There may not be early warning signs or obvious symptoms of glaucoma, so it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly if you’re at higher risk, such as a family history, if you’re African American. or have high blood pressure. Symptoms can include a gradual loss of peripheral vision (side vision), blurry vision, blind spots, and other varying degrees of visual impairment.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common condition marked by redness, scratchiness, burning, and blurriness of the eyes. People ages 50 and older are at a higher risk for developing dry eyes. Eye drops and other medications can help alleviate this condition.

Low Vision

Low vision is an eye condition that cannot be corrected by treatment options such as prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser surgery/​laser treatments, or medications. Low vision means that activities such as reading, driving, recognizing face, etc. become difficult.

Note: Learn more about eye diseases and conditions at this resource.

Maintaining good eye health is important for overall health. This is why it is important to set up annual complete eye exams, even if you have good vision, and speak with an eye doctor about health issues and concerns. In addition, there are a number of ways seniors can keep their eyes and vision healthy: 
 

• Eat a healthy diet

• Protect eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses or a hat

• Wear prescription glasses

• Exercise regularly

• Rest eyes while watching TV or using the computer

• Quit smoking if necessary

Additionally, it’s important to remember that age-related eye diseases and impairment issues can affect the driving ability of older drivers. To ensure you continue to drive safely, consider taking a driving course tailored for seniors and getting your vision checked regularly.

Vision benefits will vary based on the type of vision insurance plan chosen. However, vision plans often cover vision services and supplies such as: 

• Routine eye exams 

• Corrective lenses such as contact lenses and/​or eyeglass frames

• Eye-related treatments (i.e. corrective surgeries, medications, etc.) 

Medicare is federal health insurance for Americans age 65 and older, as well as some people with certain disabilities and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

There are two main ways for eligible Americans to receive Medicare coverage: Original Medicare plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Meanwhile, Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part A, B, and often Part D (prescription drug insurance) with additional benefits like dental, hearing, and vision care. 
 

Does Original Medicare Include Vision Coverage?

Original Medicare does not include vision coverage within its policies, meaning healthcare services such as routine vision exams would need to be covered out of pocket by the beneficiary. However, Original Medicare beneficiaries can still find coverage by purchasing a stand-alone vision plan.

Medicare Advantage And Vision Insurance Coverage

Older adults eligible for Medicare also have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, as many of these plans do include extra benefits such as dental and vision insurance. These plans may cover routine eye exams and coverage for eyeglasses and lenses. However, not every single MA plan will include vision benefits, so it’s important to contact the insurance company to confirm additional coverage for extra health care benefits such as vision.

Do Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Help With Vision Coverage?

Medigap plans are supplemental Medicare plans that intend to ​“fill in the gaps” of Original Medicare. Medigap plans often help with deductible, copayment, and coinsurance payments.

Medigap plans will not help Original Medicare beneficiaries with payments for eye care. As well, Medicare Advantage enrollees cannot be enrolled in both a Medicare Advantage plan and have a Medigap policy.
 

There are a number of ways to find low-cost vision care including nonprofits and public service programs.

EyeCare America

EyeCare America is a public service program through the American Academy of Ophthalmology that offers free eye exams as well as free or discounted medication. EyeCare America has various programs to help members save money including its Seniors Program and Glaucoma Program. Learn more about EyeCare America here.

New Eyes

New Eyes provides new eyeglasses to people experiencing financial difficulties and unable to purchase a pair otherwise. Learn more about New Eyes here.

Lion’s Club

Lion’s Club is a non-profit organization that provides eyeglasses to those in need. Learn more about Lion’s Club here. 

National Eye Institute

The National Eye Institute is the federal agency for vision research and provides information and resources. Learn more about the National Eye Institute here.