If you wear glasses to correct your vision, you might not think sunglasses are necessary. Aside from the fact that your prescription lenses may have a coating that protects your eyes from UV light, you might be hesitant about paying for another pair of prescription glasses.
However, if you have an FSA or HSA account, you can use some or all of those funds to buy a new pair of prescription sunglasses. With either of these accounts, you can start your summer in style while protecting the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. Keep reading to learn why you can use your FSA or HSA to buy a new pair of sunglasses this summer!
What are FSAs and HSAs?
FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) are pre-tax accounts you can use to pay for healthcare-related expenses. FSAs and HSAs are often offered as part of your employee benefits package. However, individuals who pay out-of-pocket for a high-deductible insurance plan may be eligible to open an individual HSA account.
Establishing an FSA or an HSA account offers significant financial advantages. With both accounts, the pre-tax income you allocate to your FSA or HSA account reduces your taxable income.
One of the biggest differences between these two accounts is the “use it or lose it” clause. With an FSA, you must spend all of the funds in the account on healthcare-related expenses by the end of the year, while unused HAS funds usually roll over to the following calendar year.
What Can FSA and HSA Funds Be Used For?
FSA and HSA funds can be used for various healthcare-related expenses, including co-pays, health insurance deductibles, and prescription and over-the-counter medications. People with these accounts are often surprised by how many of their health-related costs are covered.
One of the best ways to use these funds is on eye care. FSA and HAS funds can be used to cover eye care expenses like elective eye procedures, medically necessary eye surgery, eye exams, and corrective eyewear, including prescription sunglasses.
It is important to note that non-prescription sunglasses are usually not covered by either an FSA or an HSA account.
Why are Prescription Sunglasses Important For Eye Health?
Using your FSA or HAS funds for prescription sunglasses is an excellent long-term investment in your eyesight. With the right lenses, a good pair of sunglasses can block up to 100% of harmful UV light.
Unprotected exposure to UV light, particularly sunlight, can seriously affect your vision. Some of the eye conditions caused by UV light include:
Photokeratitis
This condition is like a sunburn of the cornea and can cause redness, eye pain, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
Cataracts
Overexposure to UV light is a risk factor for developing cataracts, leading to eventual vision impairment or vision loss if left untreated.
Macular Degeneration
UV light exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which affects the retina and can cause issues with your central field of vision.
Pterygium
This condition is caused by the growth of excess tissue on the white part of the eye and can affect vision if it blocks the cornea.
The best prescription sunglasses offer the most comprehensive UV light protection. These styles include wraparound-style sunglasses, sunglasses with larger lenses, and sunglasses with polarized lenses that reduce glare.
A new pair of prescription sunglasses can help you feel confident about your personal style, those that keep your eyes healthy, and the quality of your vision this summer. Using your FSA or HSA funds, you’ll save money when you purchase your new prescription sunglasses and sit down to do your taxes the following year.
Protect your eyes this summer by requesting your appointment at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare in Buffalo, NY, and calling us at 1800-309-2020 now! Our optical boutique is open to the public to walk right in without an appointment to browse the great selection of sport, designer, and budget-friendly glasses we offer.
