Medicare and vision: what's covered for cataracts, glaucoma and eye exams

Original Medicare excludes routine eye exams and glasses but covers medically necessary eye care, including cataract surgery, glaucoma tests and diabetic eye exams.

Medicare separates routine vision care (not covered) from medical eye care (covered by Part B with the usual 20% coinsurance).

Covered by Part B

• Cataract surgery, including a standard intraocular lens, and one pair of glasses or contacts after surgery.
• Glaucoma screening once a year for people at high risk.
• Diabetic eye exam for diabetic retinopathy once a year.
• Macular degeneration tests and some treatments, including certain injected drugs.

Not covered

Routine eye exams for glasses, glasses, and contact lenses (except after cataract surgery).

The 20% adds up

Part B pays 80% after the $283 deductible. Injections for macular degeneration can be expensive; see why the 20% has no cap. Medigap plans pay most or all of that coinsurance.

Filling the routine gap

Vision insurance or discount plans, Medicare Advantage vision benefits, or retailers' exam-and-glasses packages.

Questions people ask

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

Not routine exams for glasses; it covers medically necessary exams.

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

Yes, under Part B, plus one pair of glasses afterward.

Are glaucoma tests covered?

Yearly for people at high risk.

Does Medigap help with eye care?

Yes, for Medicare-covered eye care, by paying the coinsurance.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.