Most people don’t think much about their vision until they have a problem with it. That’s not a good idea. Regular eye exams not only ensure good eye health, but can help detect underlying medical conditions you may not be aware of, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Risk of heart disease and stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
While vision coverage varies by plan, members typically qualify for an eye exam every 12 or 24 months, along with other benefits.* Having a Blue VisionSM plan offers many benefits that members may be unaware of, such as:
- Convenient access to the nation’s largest network of eye doctors through VSP® Vision Care
- Discounts on prescription sunglasses, additional pairs of prescription glasses and noncovered lens options, such as scratch-resistant lenses and antireflective lenses
- Special offers on glasses, contact lenses, even hearing aids
- Eye exam reminders for members who are at risk of diabetes, based on claims data
But the most important benefit of all is coverage for regular eye exams. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vision Health Initiative team, there are nine ways to help protect your eyes:
- Get a dilated eye exam.
- Know your family's eye health history.
- Eat right to protect your sight — in particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home.
- Quit smoking.
- Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly to avoid the risk of infection.
- Practice workplace eye safety.
Never underestimate the importance of your eyes. Many consider vision to be the most important of our five senses. Your eyes not only affect yow you see but how you feel. Caring for your vision can lead to a better quality of life overall. *Members should always check their coverage for specific plan details. You can get more information about your plan by logging in to your member account at bcbsm.com. The vast majority of Blue Cross members have coverage through VSP. You can contact VSP directly at 1-800-877-7195 or vsp.com. More from MIBluesPerspectives:
- Cataracts: The Leading Cause of Blindness
- What are Specialty Benefits (and Are They Right for Me)?
- The Year Ahead: Check-ups You Need at Every Age
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