There are several conditions that can develop as we get older, each with its own treatment plans. These include:

• Presbyopia – one of the most common issues that face people over the age of 40. This condition makes it difficult to read fine print and eventually to read any print at all without glasses. As you get older, you may find yourself holding menus, newspapers or books farther away so the words come in clearer. This is a sign that you are developing presbyopia. When you are young, the lens of your eye is flexible but as we age, it becomes more rigid so it does not adjust to close up objects as quickly as it did in the past.
• Floaters and flashers – tiny specks that float across your field of vision. These are caused when tiny fibers in your eye clump and “float” across your lens. These are usually harmless but if they are accompanied by flashes of light, it could indicate a more serious problem.
• Dry eyes – itching, burning and redness. This is likely caused because your tear ducts are not making enough tears or your tears are low-quality.
• Cataracts – cloudy areas that cover the lens of your eye. When you are young, your eye is clear and acts like a camera lens, sending light to your retina that tells your brain what you are seeing. As cataracts grow, they block the light from getting to your retina causing vision problems.
• Glaucoma – although glaucoma can develop at any age, it is more common as we get older. It is caused when too much fluid builds inside your eye and it can lead to blindness.

Presbyopia is usually treated with glasses and contacts. Often, people with presbyopia will use “readers,” which are non-prescription glasses that they only wear when they need to read. If you also have problems with distance vision, you may be prescribed bifocals or trifocals which allow you to see both far away and close up. Floaters are rarely treated unless they indicate a much more serious problem like a detached retina. Dry eyes are treated using eye drops or your doctor may suggest a humidifier for your home. Serious dry eye issues may require surgery. Cataracts much reach a certain size for treatment which is surgery. The doctor removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens so you can see clearly. Glaucoma may be treated with medications such as prescription eye drops or you may require surgery to relive the pressure in your eyes.

Original Medicare does not cover vision costs. However, some supplemental insurance companies do include vision plans. You will need to be sure that your eye care professional is included as a provider on the supplemental plan. Medicare may cover surgery for your eyes, including cataract or glaucoma surgery, but it does not cover routine examinations. This means you may need a private plan to cover those costs.

Vision plans usually cover the cost of an annual examination as well as treatments for any condition. For example, vision insurance should cover the cost of eyeglasses, both lenses and frames, or contacts if that is what you prefer. They should also cover eye drops or other prescribed items that your doctor recommends to treat your condition. Some vision insurances cover the cost of surgeries not covered by healthcare, such as LASIX, although most older adults are not candidates for that type of surgery due to presbyopia.

There are companies that offer discounts on vision care for seniors. AARP members can get discounts on vision care as well as veterans who use services provided by the Veterans Administration. Members of some warehouse clubs like BJs, Sam’s Club and Costco may also find savings on vision care as well as eyeglasses. One of the best ways to get discounts, however, is to register for BestSeniorDiscounts.com where you can find many savings on examinations, eyeglasses and other eyecare needs.

These are the five best vision plans for older adults based on research by several watchdog agencies:

• Direct Vision Insurance – with a wide variety of network providers, it is likely your provider will be included.
• Humana – offers vision policies as low as $14 per month making it an affordable way to cover the costs of your vision care
• Spirit Vision – although a smaller company, their plans have generous payouts and they also offer dental insurance
• UnitedHealthcare – great benefits at reasonable rates with many providers in their network
• VSP – offers plans designed to complement the benefits offered by Medicare

If you are looking for a way to save on your vision costs, register for BestSeniorDiscounts.com today. There is no registration fee and you can begin saving immediately. Simply fill out the easy online form to start getting discounts on your vision needs today.