Turning 50 often brings shifting eyesight and rising healthcare expenses, yet original Medicare leaves older Americans completely on their own for routine vision care, glasses and contact lenses.

In a recent Retirement Coaches Association survey of 115 professional retirement coaches conducted in partnership with VSP Individual Vision Plans, 96% said poor vision can significantly threaten retirees' independence and quality of life. Another 61% reported seeing clients scale back daily routines or social activities because of vision-related concerns. As with hearing loss , vision loss is a risk factor for developing dementia, according to the American Optometric Association .

The good news is that, with some research and planning, you can protect your eyesight without breaking the bank.

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