If you’re suffering from dry eye symptoms, your optometrist can offer multiple ways to manage the problem and help you find relief from your discomfort. But what can you expect when it comes to paying for such treatment? Can you use your vision insurance to cover the cost? Here is a quick overview of what you need to know about dry eye treatment and how insurance usually handles it.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
Dry eye can be the result of a lack of tears or low-quality tears. Your optometrist will need to determine the true underlying cause of the issue before they can recommend an appropriate solution.
For example, sometimes your body may not be making enough tears because of inflammation of the tear glands. To address this problem, your optometrist may prescribe steroid eye drops, which can not only moisten the eyes but also fight the inflammation that’s causing your condition.
Alternatively, if your tears aren’t staying on the eyes long enough, your optometrist might recommend getting punctal plugs. These are tiny devices that are placed in the tear ducts in order to stop your tears from draining away too quickly.
In some cases, dry eye may be a consequence of blocked meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for putting oil in your tears to stop them from evaporating prematurely. If the glands are blocked, the oil can’t be added. Thus, dry eye treatment may involve meibomian gland expression, which involves applying gentle pressure to the meibomian glands to unclog them so that they can function properly again.
Will Vision Insurance Pay for Dry Eye Treatment?
The bad news is that vision insurance typically will not cover any form of dry eye management. It is normally meant to be used for eye exams, eyeglass lenses and frames, and contact lenses; it does not normally help pay for the treatment of eye diseases and conditions.
Fortunately, your regular medical insurance is another story. The diagnosis and treatment of dry eye are covered under many medical insurance plans. Of course, not all insurance policies are the same, so it’s always a good idea to review your benefits before you move forward with any kind of treatment. Remember that you can always reach out to your insurance company if you have any questions about the specifics of your plan.
Using your medical insurance to fit dry eye treatment into your budget is well worth it. The sooner you get the care you need, the sooner you can get the lasting relief that you deserve!
About the Author
Dr. Nayiri Ajoian is a graduate of the New England College of Optometry in Boston. She regularly attends symposiums, workshops, seminars, and the annual optometric conference to continue expanding her knowledge and skills. At her practice, EyeSmile Dentistry and Optometry of Belmont, she offers multiple forms of dry eye management. If you’re looking for a solution for dry eyes, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ajoian by visiting her website or calling (617) 484-7869.