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.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

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.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

senior african american man feeling pain in his knees from arthritis while on a couch stock photo
How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?
Jan 25, 2023
doctor consulting their patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?
Dec 6, 2022
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Jun 14, 2023
Ozempic stock image
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023
Cover image
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Mar 15, 2024
Upset senior woman crying stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Nov 30, 2022
Fair Square
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Oct 6, 2022
cartoon hospital and male doctor stock image
Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?
Oct 3, 2022
Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 8, 2022
Pre-Existing condition stock image
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Mar 28, 2023
Older woman during an eye exam
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Jan 11, 2023
Indianapolis skyline at night stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
Mar 9, 2023
Kidney stone stock image
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Nov 23, 2022
Cover image
2025 Medicare Price Changes
Oct 30, 2023
woman in a therapist office stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?
Nov 22, 2022
woman working from home with a headset on stock image
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
Apr 12, 2023
Diagnosis incontinence stock image
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
Doctor showing patient bone anatomy of skeleton of nose and nasal cavity on skull. Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery, correcting deviated nasal septum, localization of rhinitis, sinusitis in nose stock photo
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Nov 18, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

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

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Explained

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

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