Through a routine eye exam, eye care professionals can identify more than 30 medical conditions, often before the patient is diagnosed or experiences outward symptoms. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Ask aging Americans what health conditions they fear most, and their answers will likely include blindness, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and heart disease.

These conditions are not only debilitating and potentially fatal, but also incredibly costly. Alzheimer's alone is the most expensive disease in America, costing society more than cancer treatment, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

As we enter open enrollment season, many consumers are taking proactive steps to ensure they are covered for these and other serious conditions. Every year, people flock to their medical benefits provider, weighing coverage options, out-of-pocket costs associated with their plan, and the tradeoff between their deductible and premium.