Medicare does provide coverage for certain treatments related to age-related vision loss, but the extent and specifics depend on the type of vision condition, the treatment required, and which part of Medicare you have. Age-related vision loss commonly involves conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Medicare’s coverage varies for each.
Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), covers medically necessary eye care but does not cover routine vision services like regular eye exams or standard eyeglasses. For example, Medicare Part B covers one pair of standard eyeglasses or contact lenses only after cataract surgery with lens implantation. It also covers diagnostic tests and treatments for specific eye diseases such as glaucoma and AMD when these are deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. Cataract surgery itself is covered under Part B, including traditional or laser surgery, whether performed in an outpatient clinic or ambulatory surgery center. If hospitalization is required for cataract surgery, Part A may cover those costs.
For glaucoma, Medicare Part B covers annual glaucoma tests for people at high risk, such as those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or certain ethnic backgrounds. If glaucoma is diagnosed, Medicare covers follow-up diagnostic tests, specialist visits, laser treatments, and outpatient surgeries. Post-operative care and emergency treatments related to glaucoma are also covered under Part B. However, prescription medications for glaucoma, such as eye drops, are covered under Medicare Part D (prescription drug plans) or Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage. Coverage for these medications depends on the specific Part D plan’s formulary, and beneficiaries may face copayments, deductibles, or prior authorization requirements.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, is also covered to some extent. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic tests like dilated eye exams, retinal scans, and treatments including injections of medications such as Eylea (aflibercept), which are administered in a doctor’s office or outpatient setting. These injections help slow vision loss from wet AMD and other retinal conditions. After meeting the Part B deductible, beneficiaries typically pay 20% coinsurance for these treatments. Prescription drugs related to AMD that are taken at home may be covered under Part D.
Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasse
