Take Action!
Protect your vision. Get regular eye exams so you can find problems early, when they may be easier to treat.
Schedule an eye exam.
Ask your doctor or health center for the name of an eye care professional. Read these tips for finding an eye doctor.
When you go for your exam, be sure to:
- Ask the doctor for a dilated eye exam.
- Tell the doctor if anyone in your family has eye problems or diabetes.
For more help, go through this checklist for your eye doctor appointment.
What about cost?
Check with your insurance plan about costs and co-payments. If you have Medicare, it will pay for your eye exam if you have diabetes or if you are at risk for glaucoma.
If you don’t have insurance, there may be free or low-cost eye care programs where you live.
Take Action!
Watch for problems.
See an eye doctor right away if you have any of these problems:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Flashes of light
- Tiny spots that float across your eye
- Eye pain
- Redness or swelling
Check out the signs and symptoms of eye problems.
Take Action!
Get regular physical exams.
Get regular exams to help you stay healthy. Ask your doctor or nurse how you can prevent type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if they aren’t treated.
Lower your risk of falling.
Poor vision or the wrong glasses can increase your risk of falling. Falling can cause serious injuries and health problems, especially for people over age 64.