How an expanded vision benefit helps kids see better
Your child’s vision can change fast, so UnitedHealthcare offers them more services to keep their eyesight sharp.
We often think eye problems are a result of aging, but children can get them too. Take myopia, for example. Myopia is when vision is clear close up, but blurry far away. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that more than 40% of Americans have myopia.1 Three quarters of children with myopia are diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 12.2 That can be a big issue when so much schooling involves watching a teacher at the front of the classroom.
Kids can also develop other eye problems, including astigmatism. That causes both near and far vision to be blurry. Regular eye exams for children are important, which is why UnitedHealthcare Vision offers an expanded pediatric vision option.
Looking for a new eye care provider? Search the UnitedHealthcare Vision Network now.
How UnitedHealthcare’s pediatric vision coverage works
In many ways, UnitedHealthcare’s pediatric vision benefits are similar to adult vision benefits. For example, kids have access to one of the nation’s largest provider networks, with more than 170,000 access points across the country. Children can get an annual comprehensive eye exam with a copay. And parents can choose treatment options and eyewear for them if they need it.
There are some key differences though because kids’ vision can change quickly. Children up to age 19 have coverage for:
- A second eye exam each year at no additional premium cost.
- A new pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at no additional premium cost if their vision prescription changes by 0.5 diopter* or more in a plan year.
- Polycarbonate lenses are available at no additional cost for kids. These lenses are lighter and more shatter-resistant than ordinary lenses.
Standard copays apply to additional exams and eyewear.
Better vision can lead to better learning for kids
When children see better, they learn better. One study of more than 2,000 elementary and middle school students found that giving glasses to kids who need them had the same impact on reading scores as offering one-on-one tutoring.3
It’s worth noting that the academic gains weren’t noticeable at the 2-year mark. That could be because the kids lost or stopped wearing their glasses. It could also be because their vision changed, and they needed to update their prescription.
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Common vision problems in kids
Children typically don’t tell their parents they have blurry vision because they don’t realize it’s happening. They’re not aware that they’re missing or misinterpreting information. Roughly a quarter of preschool-age children in the U.S. have an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem.4
For more information on vision problems in kids, download this helpful guide.
Here are some common childhood vision problems:
Refractive errors
These prevent the eyes from focusing properly, causing blurry vision. Specific conditions include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Lazy eye (amblyopia)
This occurs when the brain doesn’t communicate well with one of the eyes. As a result, the brain relies more on the stronger eye, and the vision in the weak eye gets worse.
Crossed eyes (strabismus)
This happens when the eyes fail to focus on the same thing at the same time. It can affect one or both eyes.
Convergence insufficiency
This makes it hard for the eyes to work together when viewing close-up objects. The result is blurry or double vision.
Some of these problems can have serious consequences over time. For example, severe myopia increases the risk of:
- glaucoma
- retinal detachment
- early cataracts
- myopic maculopathy (a leading cause of blindness)
UnitedHealthcare’s vision coverage can also help new moms
Pregnant women can also go through unexpected vision changes. These can include dry eye syndrome, blurred or distorted vision and light sensitivity. Some of these problems get better on their own, but others need treatment.
With UnitedHealthcare Vision, pregnant or breastfeeding women can get a second eye exam and an additional pair of glasses if their vision prescription changes by 0.5 diopter* or greater, without paying an additional premium cost (standard copays apply).
So much learning, cognition, perception and activities happen through our vision. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect it. UnitedHealthcare’s enhanced vision benefits help children and new moms have the best possible vision and eye health.
*A diopter is the unit that measures how strong a lens you need. Refractive changes less than 0.5 diopter are considered normal variations and do not require a change in lenses.
Stay on top of your eye health with an in-network provider. Search for an eye care provider now.
Sources:
- Myopia (nearsightedness) American Optometric Association
- “With Childhood Myopia Rates on the Rise, the Importance of Early Intervention through Annual Eye Exams” American Optometric Association, 2019.
- “School Vision Exams Can Improve Academic Test Scores” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2021.
- “Effect of a Randomized Interventional School-Based Vision Program on Academic Performance of Students in Grades 3 to 7: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial” JAMA Ophthalmology, 2021.
- “Prescription for Keeping Children Out of Glasses: Sunshine” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022.
