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Cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are common eye health conditions that appear with age. Unlike refractive errors, these conditions worsen over time.
When left unchecked, degenerative conditions lead to a progressive loss of vision. In the following article, we’ll discuss the impact of degenerative eye disease and why scheduling an annual eye exam is the best way to catch and manage these issues early.
The Cost of Degenerative Eye Health Problems
In most cases, reversing damage to the eyes is difficult. However, treatment options exist to manage degenerative conditions and prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Besides actively monitoring the progression of the disease with regular eye exams, you will likely face a number of costs:
- Assistive devices. Eyeglasses and low-vision aids are common solutions for compensating for a gradual loss of vision.
- Surgery. If you suffer from cataracts, surgery is often the best treatment option since it can replace your clouded lens with an artificial lens. Glaucoma patients also typically need surgery to improve drainage.
- Medical treatments. Innovative treatments like eye injections, light therapy, or laser photocoagulation usually lead to good outcomes for AMD patients.
What are your options for covering these expenses? Depending on your coverage, your health or eye health insurance policy may cover some of these treatments.
However, you should know that devices like low-vision aids aren’t always covered. Plus, you will likely face deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs.
For instance, cataract surgery can set you back anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800 per eye. This eye treatment cost includes a comprehensive exam to diagnose the condition, along with imaging. It also covers topical eyedrops, an anesthesia fee, the cost of the surgery, and the intraocular lens implant.
For age-related macular degeneration patients, long-term costs can even be higher. Managing this condition involves regular eye injections, which cost from $50 to $2,000 per dose.
How Does Degenerative Eye Disease Impact Your Quality of Life?
Beyond financial costs, degenerative eye disease impacts your quality of life. As the condition progresses, symptoms will worsen and affect your vision, potentially restricting your activities.
- Driving often becomes dangerous due to loss of central vision in AMD or cloudy vision for cataract and glaucoma patients.
- Degenerative eye conditions can affect your ability to read, engage in sports, or practice hobbies that require focus.
- Gradual vision loss is a major issue for workers and can lead to early retirement or affect work performance.
Gradually losing vision can feel very isolating. You might also require assistance with daily tasks and running errands, which can result in additional costs if family and friends are unable to help.
There is a strong connection between vision loss and mental health. In fact, one in four adults with vision impairment experiences depression or anxiety. Dealing with gradual vision loss can make you feel helpless, lonely, and stressed.
Catch Degenerative Eye Health Conditions Early With an Annual Eye Exam
Catching degenerative eye health problems early allows you to manage the disease in its early stages. Early treatment dramatically minimizes the impact of degenerative vision problems on your quality of life.
Because many vision problems have few to no symptoms in their early stages, it’s crucial to schedule an annual eye exam to screen for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, AMD, and more with specialized diagnostic equipment.
Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma makes annual eye exams more accessible and affordable with prepaid vision plans and negotiated savings. Learn more about how VCD can help you save at local optometrists with customized plans.
