Dr. Kathy Hotsenpiller

Did you know that if you are having a problem with your eyes, we may be able to submit your exam to your medical insurance?  Insurance plans can be very confusing.  Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams--when nothing is really wrong, but you just need to update your glasses or contacts.  Medical insurance will cover an eye exam, as long as you have a medical diagnosis. 

 
What, exactly, counts as a medical diagnosis?  Well, first and foremost, if you have ever been told that you have cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, this is considered a medical eye exam and is covered under your medical insurance.  All diabetics must have an annual diabetic eye exam to make sure that there are no signs of diabetic retinopathy, or bleeding of the retina.  This can be potentially sight threatening, and medical insurance will cover an eye exam for diabetic patients.  When you are taking medications which are considered high risk and may pose a problem to your eyes or vision, this is also covered under your medical insurance.  For example, patients who take Plaquenil for lupus should have an annual eye exam to check for maculopathy that can occur when this medication deposits itself in the macula.  A more serious problem that often is ignored is the sudden onset of flashes or floaters in your vision.  These may be symptoms of a retinal detachment, and it is imperative that you be seen immediately! 

 

Many of us suffer from seasonal allergies which can cause itching, tearing, and redness, usually in the spring and fall.  This can make wearing contacts virtually impossible!  Did you know that there are eye drops that can be prescribed seasonally for allergies to not only make you stop tearing and itching, but also make it possible to wear your contacts during allergy season?  Dryness is always a problem especially during the winter months when our furnaces are running nonstop and the air is warm and dry.  When artificial tears don't do the trick anymore, it's time to make an appointment to see if you need a prescription eye drop to help with intermittent periods of dryness, burning, and irritation.

 

Generally, most adults have had some kind of problem with their eyes.  The most common complaints I hear are dry eyes, allergies, or floaters.  The next time you come in for an eye exam, make sure you let us know if you have medical insurance so we can see if we can submit your eye exam for you!