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Eye Health
VSP Contributor, 23 Jul 2026

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Health

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There are common questions about vision health that many of us have. Let’s look at nine of the most frequently asked questions about vision health and vision care.

1) Can I reduce the risk of vision loss?

Yes, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of vision loss. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key part of reducing the risk of vision loss.

Here are some of the actions you can take to reduce vision loss:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that you enjoy and keeps you satisfied.

Regular exercise can also improve blood circulation, which benefits the eyes.

Avoid smoking. as it increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases.

Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.

Additionally, manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as they can impact vision health.

2) Are regular eye exams important?

Regular eye exams are essential to vision health because they can detect signs of vision problems and eye diseases at an early stage when they're most treatable. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, often have no early symptoms. Early detection through regular exams can prevent or slow vision loss.

3) What happens during an eye exam?

An eye exam typically involves several tests to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. A full-service eye exam may include some of the following vision tests:

Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you see at various distances.

Refraction Test: Determines your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Visual Field Test: Checks for blind spots in your peripheral vision, which can indicate eye disease or other health issues.

Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eyes to check for glaucoma.

Pupil Dilation: Involves using eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing the eye doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of disease.

4) Which vision correction method is best: contacts or glasses?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to vision correction. Choosing between eyeglasses and contact lenses depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and specific vision needs. Here are some of the key vision correction differences between eyeglasses and contact lenses:

Glasses:

Easier to wear and maintain

Can correct a broader range of vision problems and are customized to your exact prescription

Less likely to cause eye infections since they don't touch the eyes directly

Can offer protection from dust, debris, and harmful UV rays with the right lenses

Contact Lenses:

Provide a wider field of view since they move with your eyes

Less likely to get in the way during physical activities

Available in various types, including daily, biweekly, and monthly disposables

When deciding between eyeglasses and contact lenses, consider factors such as convenience, comfort, and your specific vision requirements. Some people use both methods of vision correction: wearing glasses at home and wearing contacts when they need the convenience and unobstructed view they provide. Most vision insurance plans offer savings including allowances for prescription eyewear, this can be a great reason to add vision insurance if you don’t already have it.

5) What are common causes of vision loss for people over 40 years old?

Several conditions can cause vision loss and impairment in individuals 40 and older; here are some of the most common causes:

Presbyopia: A natural part of aging where the eye's lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is common and typically managed with reading glasses or adding near-vision capabilities to your existing glasses prescription.

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurry vision.

Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Deterioration of the central part of the retina, affecting central vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes.

No matter what your age, taking care of your vision health matters. Understanding the more common reasons for vision loss can help you make choices that support your eyesight.

6) What are the differences between an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, and Optician?

Selecting the right eye care professional can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians.

Ophthalmologist:

A medical doctor specializing in eye or subspecializing in certain parts of the eye

Performs eye exams, diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes medications, and performs eye surgery

Optometrist:

Doctors of Optometry are primary health care professionals who are the frontline of eye and vision care

Examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and disorders related to the eye

Prescribes corrective lenses and medications for certain eye conditions, as well as performs certain surgical procedures

Optician:

A technician who designs, fits, and dispenses corrective lenses based on the prescriptions provided by ophthalmologists and optometrists

Does not perform eye exams or treat eye diseases

Knowing the expertise of each eye care professional empowers you to make informed decisions about your vision health.

8) What are UV rays? How can they cause damage to your eyes?

UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage various parts of the eye, leading to conditions such as:

Cataracts: UV radiation increases the risk of cataract formation.

Macular Degeneration: UV rays can contribute to the deterioration of the central retina.

Photokeratitis: A painful, temporary condition similar to a sunburn on the cornea.

Pinguecula: A deterioration of the conjuntiva, or white part of the eye.

To protect your eyes from UV rays, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.

9) What common health conditions can damage eyes?

Several health conditions can adversely affect eye health, including:

Diabetes: Can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina.

Thyroid Disorders: Can cause eye problems like dry eyes, double vision, and bulging eyes.

Managing these health conditions effectively with the help of health care professionals can protect your vision.

Care for Your Vision and Save With VSP® Individual Vision Plans

Regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, and proper eye protection can significantly reduce the risk of vision problems. Having vision insurance can make your corrective eyewear and regular eye exams simple and cost-effective. When researching your vision insurance plan, make sure they offer a large network of providers in your area, and compare the benefits you’ll have access to. These may include an allowance for glasses or contacts, low-cost eye exams, and more. VSP Individual Vision Plans make it simple to find an eye doctor near you.

Sponsored by VSP. Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Reviewed by Michelle Cooper, O.D.

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Health

Michelle Cooper, OD, has been in solo private practice in Greenville, SC for over 30 years. She focuses on comprehensive eye care including managing ocular diseases, treating dry eye, fitting contact lenses, and helping patients with personalized solutions to their eye and vision issues.

In addition to full-time clinical practice, Dr. Cooper is a VSP Vision Care Provider and a VSP Vision Ambassador where she works with other doctors to improve access to eye care and raise awareness of the importance of eye health. Her passion is treating each of her patients as a unique individual and maintaining a warm and family-oriented atmosphere in her clinic.