We all know as we age, so do our eyes! However, people should know more about eye health.
One of the most important things is to see your eye doctor regularly and follow their advice. The second important thing is using sunglasses. Whether it's a sunny day or a gray day, both ultraviolet UVA rays and UVB rays damage our eyesight. Wearing sunglasses that protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays may help prevent or slow the development of cataracts. Ultraviolet B rays are especially harmful to your eyes, so it's important to look for glasses that provide this protection specifically. Of course, other things like hypertension, previous eye trauma, diabetes, and family history can lead to early development of cataracts.
By wearing sunglasses, we protect our eyes – Here are four examples:
- Age-related macular degeneration. Some studies show that sunglasses (especially the kind that wraps around our eyes) reduce our exposure, damaging the macula.
- At least one study linked UV light to cataracts increasing the risk for early cataracts by 57%.
- Eye strain. Did you know that your cornea can get a sunburn?
- Skin cancer and aging. Correct sunglasses lessen the effects on your eyes plus protect the sensitive skin around the eyes & eyelids.
See your ophthalmologist or optometrist to find the 'right' sunglasses. The lens darkness matters less than providing a larger area of coverage. You're looking for glasses that offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB or UV400 protection.
Perhaps basking every day on the beach WITHOUT sunglasses led to my having cataract surgery for both eyes at an early age. Mom did know best, but 'teenagers' usually don't listen. So, in safeguarding your eyesight, let us 'show' you all your Medicare options for eye care coverage. We hope to SEE you in our office soon.
By Sharon Groves
Sharon Groves covers health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for the ARA newsletter, helping readers make informed decisions about their wellbeing in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
Sharon's absolutely right about UV protection, and I love her honesty about learning this lesson the hard way! Most people are surprised when they learn that Medicare coverage for eye care is actually more limited than they expect. Original Medicare Part B covers eye exams only if you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma, plus it covers cataract surgery and some treatments for age-related macular degeneration. But routine eye exams for glasses or contacts? That's usually not covered.
Here's the good news: many Medicare Advantage plans do include routine vision coverage, and some Medicare Supplement insurance policies offer vision benefits as add-ons. If you're asking yourself, "What eye care does my Medicare plan actually cover in 2026?" – that's exactly the kind of question we help folks answer every day. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updates these benefits annually, and the details matter when you're planning your eye health budget.
A little preparation today can make a big difference for your vision tomorrow.