I wrote a post about my experience buying glasses but wanted to add on to that by stressing the importance of vision care as we age. It’s common to put eye exams on the backburner because not all health care plans cover them as extensively as they should. Some of us only get checkups when we absolutely need them and not on a regular basis.
VSP Individual Vision Plans can help you take care of your eyes as you age. If you’ve been to the eye doctor you know the cost of glasses, contacts or treatments for eye problems can be hefty. Vision problems are a part of the natural aging process and getting your eyes examined on a regular basis will help improve your quality of life.
I’ve worn glasses since I was six and contacts since I was 14. My eyesight has always been an issue for me. At my last optometrist appointment, my doctor told me I had the beginnings of cataracts. She said it was nothing to be alarmed about . . . yet . . . and was common for people my age. Still, it’s something I need to check regularly as I get older and, at some point, may require expensive surgery. Individual Vision Plans start as low as $13 per month and can save more than $200 annually. Once you become a member, you’ll have access to Exclusive Member Extras with savings up to $2,500 per year on leading industry brands.
The importance of vision care over 50
Make sure to schedule an annual eye exam to update your prescriptions (if you wear glasses or contacts) and to check for damage or eye disease. Your eyes are indicators of what’s going on in your overall health. Out of date prescriptions can cause you to become dizzy, lose your balance, or develop headaches and that can be dangerous or even debilitating when you’re older.
Yearly eye exams test for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. I imagine people who are blessed with perfect vision are less inclined to have regular checkups because they don’t think there’s a need. But, they need to have regular checkups like everyone else because age-related problems and hidden eye diseases may start to develop and it’s always best to catch them early.
Another reason to schedule regular vision care checkups is if you have health issues that could potentially affect your vision. Doug (my significant other) has a rare form of lymphoma that can cause blurred vision and needs to have regular eye exams to check for potential tumors. A vision care specialist can diagnose and monitor the effects on vision caused by hypertension and diabetes.
Having a good vision insurance plan gives you peace of mind for not only routine care but also for emergencies.
Learn more about VSP Individual Vision Plans by clicking here.
This post has been sponsored by VSP and I have received compensation for this review. However, my opinions are my own.
Valerie Hoff DeCarlo says
June 13, 2017 at 8:44 amMacular degeneration runs in my family so I totally understand the need for regular vision care! Thanks for the reminder!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 13, 2017 at 9:22 amThat’s a big concern, Valerie. Thanks for pointing that out. Knowing what you may have a propensity for in your genes is important and a good reason to have regular checkups.
Rosie says
June 13, 2017 at 1:20 pmNo, I haven’t been. Someone paid for me to go to have my eyes checked and get glasses about 4 years ago, but I haven’t been able to go since. I’m a senior on a very limited budget.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 13, 2017 at 2:35 pmThat’s where having an affordable insurance policy for vision care comes in. It’s important to check for vision problems and diseases so they don’t get to the point where it gets really expensive. I hear you, though. It’s not always easy as we get older.
Carly Williams says
June 13, 2017 at 5:04 pmI try to go for an annual check up. Vision problems run in my family.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 13, 2017 at 9:01 pmGood for you. It’s smart to stay up to date with vision exams.
HS says
June 13, 2017 at 7:35 pmI try to have regular vision care checkup every year if I remember to put it on the to do list.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 13, 2017 at 9:02 pmI hear you. I’ve found if you pick a certain date to schedule exams each year it helps. Like your birthday month or something like that.
Nancy Loring says
June 14, 2017 at 4:41 amI don’t go to the eye doctor for myself which I should but I make sure that my kids go once a year because they both wear glasses.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 14, 2017 at 8:43 amIf you haven’t been to the eye doctor in a long time, I recommend you go just to check for abnormalities. Good that your kids go.
Doreen McGettigan says
June 14, 2017 at 3:21 pmThis is a great reminder for me. I like to go every year but it’s been 19 months. Making an appointment for July!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 15, 2017 at 7:23 amSo glad to hear that Doreen! Way to go!
Rachel says
June 14, 2017 at 5:03 pmI have vision check ups once a year. I wear contacts because I’m near-sighted and have astigmatism.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 15, 2017 at 7:24 amGood for you Rachel. I wear contacts too and always go in once a year.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
June 15, 2017 at 12:19 pmHi Rebecca! Such a good topic to remind everyone about visual care. I live in Australia and my private health cover means I can have my eyes tested and new glasses every year. I went earlier this year and there are the beginnings of cataracts forming. I don’t need to do anything right now but it is good to know so I can keep a check on progress. I think it is terrible that in our modern world some people still have to put off health checks because they can’t afford it – but can we not afford to have them?
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 15, 2017 at 3:44 pmYou’re so right about that Sue. Sounds like the Australian health care system is pretty good. Ours, in the states, needs lots of work. LOL
Stacey Roberson says
June 15, 2017 at 1:44 pmI usually get my vision checked once a year. I have terrible vision and need glasses and contacts. Thank you VSP for making it easier.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 15, 2017 at 3:45 pmThey sure do. Glad you’re getting your yearly checkups.
Liz Blunt says
June 17, 2017 at 2:44 pmThanks … I do need to make a vision appointment! I appreciate the gentle nudge!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 17, 2017 at 3:23 pmNo problem, Liz. Glad my post helped remind you.
Barbara Klein says
June 17, 2017 at 3:51 pmi try to have regular eye exams. Dont go to the eye doctor as often as I should.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 18, 2017 at 10:36 pmIt’s good that you try. Life gets in the way sometimes.
Tracie Cooper says
June 17, 2017 at 4:07 pmI am way over due and hope to have me and my hubby checked within the next six months.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 18, 2017 at 10:38 pmSo glad you are making that appointment for both of you!
Randy Fong says
June 18, 2017 at 9:10 pmYes. Every 6 months.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 18, 2017 at 10:39 pmGreat to hear Randy. Every 6 months is awesome!
amy stonger says
June 19, 2017 at 12:23 amI go every year for my annual vision check up.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 19, 2017 at 10:40 amThat’s great to hear Amy. It will pay off.
Jenny Ham says
June 19, 2017 at 11:23 pmNo I have not had one in several years due to no insurance. I am overdue.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:46 pmYou may want to check out VSP. It’s affordable.
Terry Bellender says
June 20, 2017 at 8:17 pmI do have checkups yearly due to astigmatisim.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:46 pmGood for you Terry! Keep it up!
Dynal Roberson says
June 20, 2017 at 8:28 pmSince we acquired insurance I get my vision checked every January.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:47 pmGreat that you have insurance. It’s so worth it.
Amber Bourland says
June 20, 2017 at 8:35 pmI have not had a regular eye check-up in about 10 years, but will be having one SOON! A mild stroke last year changed the vision in my left eye drastically and I’ve been wearing 2.5 reading glasses ever since. that might just be part of the headaches I have almost all the time…
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:50 pmI’m so glad you are going to get checked and so sorry about your stroke. You may be right about the headaches. A vision correction may make you feel better.
Jessica M Miller says
June 20, 2017 at 8:41 pmRight now I have to go every 6 weeks to get shots in my eyes. Ughhh
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:51 pmWhoa! No fun! Hope you don’t have to soon.
Elicia P says
June 20, 2017 at 8:45 pmI used to have regular vision checks pre lasik. Now that I have lasik I do not.. However, my husband who is practically blind and who should have regular checks gets his done every two years or so. Basically when he runs out of contacts. I get upset that he doesn’t more often but he is a grown up who does what he does.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:55 pmYou’re lucky to have the lasik. It;s amazing! My daughter just had it. I’m still blind like your husband. But, you’re right. He should get checked every year!
Bea Alexandra says
June 20, 2017 at 8:45 pmI do! I am always very concerned about my vision.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:56 pmWay to go Bea!
Nancy Schools says
June 20, 2017 at 9:01 pmI usually go about every two years.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:56 pmIt’s good that you go. Our eyes are important!
Virginia H says
June 20, 2017 at 9:03 pmI don’t go annually and I pay for insurance. I guess I should be making an appointment soon.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:57 pmTake advantage of it. You never know.
Michelle Catallo says
June 20, 2017 at 9:06 pmI have regular eye check-ups due to diabetes (hypoglycemia ~ looooow end) plus, my kids get routine ones yearly at their pediatric check-ups.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:58 pmI love hearing that your whole family is being taken care of. That’s great!
Naomie says
June 20, 2017 at 9:08 pmAs of right now, I’m told to get vision checks every 5 years.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 9:59 pmWow! Naomie, I’m surprised they’re so far apart. Just make sure to go sooner if you notice any changes.
Kim Reid says
June 20, 2017 at 9:09 pmI try to have regular check-ups every two years!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
June 20, 2017 at 10:00 pmThat’s good to hear Kim!