Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 30, 2022

See how Medicare can help with your ocular treatment

Knowing whether your eyesight can be solved with new glasses or something more serious can be tricky. If you are experiencing macular degeneration, treating it can be daunting. The good news is that Medicare has you covered. Let's talk through how you are covered.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that causes damage to the macula, a part of the retina located in the back of your eye. It affects your central vision, making it difficult to read or recognize faces. The condition can be caused by age-related changes or run in families.

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

The main symptom of macular degeneration is blurry or distorted central vision. You may also experience difficulty recognizing faces, reading small print, and distinguishing colors. Other symptoms can include dark spots, blind spots in the center of your vision, and straight lines appearing wavy or bent.

How is Macular Degeneration treated?

Wet macular degeneration injections are medications such as anti-VEGF agents and photodynamic therapy. These may be prescribed to slow the disease's progress. Vitrecurgery may also be an option for some patients.

Does Medicare cover Macular Degeneration?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers many of the treatments for macular degeneration, including doctor visits, medications, and surgery.

Medicare covers the following wet macular degeneration injections:

  • Beovu

  • Eylea

  • Lucentis

  • Avastin

In addition, Medicare covers photodynamic therapy and laser treatments for macular degeneration. Medicare also pays for diagnostic tests such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography scans to diagnose and monitor the progression of the disease.

Medicare also covers certain preventive care measures like annual eye exams. However, Original Medicare does not cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses related to macular degeneration. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for eyeglasses and contacts. In addition, Medicare plans do not cover alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbal supplements. You should check with your plan provider for specific details on benefits and coverage for macular degeneration treatments.

Alternatives to Medicare for those with Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet rich in dark leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses or protective eyeglasses when outdoors, and avoiding bright light from computers and other digital screens.

If you do not have Medicare or your plan does not cover the treatments for macular degeneration, there are other options available. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for macular degeneration treatments. You can also check with organizations such as The Macula Vision Research Foundation and Bright Focus Foundation to see if they offer any type of financial assistance.

Resources for those with Macular Degeneration

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, there are many resources available to help you understand and manage the condition. The National Eye Institute provides educational materials on macular degeneration, including information about diagnosis and treatment options. There are also support groups for people living with macular degeneration that provide emotional and practical support.

Conclusion

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that can cause vision loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for those with the condition, including medications and lifestyle changes. Medicare covers many of the treatments for macular degeneration, but remember to check with your doctor before pursuing any treatment options. This content is for informational purposes only. Talk with an expert at Fair Square Medicare for all your Medicare questions.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Upset senior woman crying stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Nov 30, 2022

senior man holding out his medicare card stock image

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Dec 22, 2022

Cover image

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Nov 13, 2023

Cover image

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Jun 7, 2023

male driver taking notes from behind the wheel stock image

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Dec 1, 2022

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Dec 2, 2022

Cover image

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Jul 27, 2023

Model of the lungs with the diseased part stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Dec 2, 2022

air purifier stock image

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Nov 18, 2022

Hepatitis C stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Nov 22, 2022

Cover image

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Nov 30, 2022

Vitamin in a syringe stock photo

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Aug 15, 2022

Abortion stock image

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Dec 13, 2022

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Dec 2, 2022

elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Dec 2, 2022

pros and cons stock image

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

May 5, 2022

senior man on a phone call stock image

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

Apr 11, 2023

Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

Mar 7, 2023

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Compare Medigap Plans in 2025

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Explained

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M