Vision Insurance

If you see the big picture, you know how important eye health is to overall well-being. A little attention to those baby blues, browns, greens, or hazels can make all the difference.

You only get one set of eyes. Taking good care of your vision is important to your overall health. During your eye exam, the doctor can detect early signs of serious general health conditions so you can manage them before they become more difficult problems.

What Vision Insurance Covers

Vision insurance can be an effective way to cope with the high cost of eye exams, glaucoma screening, contact lenses, and glasses.

Vision insurance is typically sold separately or as a rider to a health insurance policy. Health insurance covers injuries to your eyes or medical problems that might affect your eyes. Vision insurance, on the other hand, is wellness coverage. Its purpose is to help you maintain and improve your vision.

There are two basic types of vision plans: a vision benefits package and a discount vision plan. A vision benefits package is just that: a package of benefits that includes coverage for eye exams, contact lenses, glasses and laser eye surgery. These plans often have a deductible, an amount you must pay out of your own pocket before the plan starts to make payments. They may also require a co-payment, a small amount you pay every time you see an eye doctor or other eye professional.

Tips for Protecting Your Vision

Of the five senses, vision may well be at the top of the list for reasons of necessity. Healthy vision allows us to be mobile, enjoy movies, kids, art, and more. We have compiled a list of tips for protecting your vision. While our tips may help you have a better understanding of eye health, everyone should visit an optician for regularly scheduled checkups, as some ailments occur even with the best of care.

• Eat an eye healthy diet. Many major problems with the eyes can be prevented by a proper diet. As we age macular degeneration may be a risk, as well as cataracts. Diets rich in lutein have been shown to prevent these ailments.
• Protect your eyes. Even the smallest splinter can cause irreparable damage to an eye. If you're working in an environment where eye safety is a concern, then be sure to wear safety glasses.
• Wear sunglasses when in the sun. The UV rays beaming down from the sun can damage our eyes over time. Even during overcast days, harmful UV rays can find their way to our eyes. Wearing UV protected sunglasses should be a must for outdoor activities during the day.
• Proper hygiene. Eye infections usually occur from unwashed hands coming in contact with the eyes. If you rub your eyes but do not wash your hands regularly, then you may be putting your eyes at risk of infection.
• Use eye drops. Dry eyes can lead to uncomfortable eyes and over time can lead to harmful eye conditions. Be sure to use eye drops if you live in a cold climate, as the air tends to be less humid and drier during these times.
• Limit time on a computer. Eyes can really be strained when looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time. If you work at a computer, take time to rest your eyes from the LCD screen's glare.
• Add a multivitamin to your daily routine. As much as a healthy diet can help your eye care, so too can a good multivitamin.

Check with your Copeland Insurance Group agent about a vision insurance plan that works best for you.