Using your health savings account (HSA) is a financially smart way to support your physical and mental well-being. Contributions and earnings on the money you save are typically tax-free when you use them for eligible expenses. Plus, HSAs are more versatile than flexible spending accounts (FSAs). There's no use-it-or-lose-it restriction if you don't spend it all by year's end, so the money can keep growing.
To make the most of your benefits, it's important to know what constitutes HSA-eligible eyewear. Expenses must qualify under the IRS's criteria to be eligible. Investing your HSA funds in vision care meets the guidelines, so you can preserve your eyesight stylishly and more affordably.
1. Prescription Eyeglasses
HSA-eligible prescription glasses are a staple of qualified vision expenses that let you see life's important moments with perfect clarity. Your account can cover all the costs involved in investing in eyewear that fits your lifestyle and personal style. Choose the quality and features you want without compromising on your budget, from classic to designer frames and specialized lens options.
2. Contact Lenses
If you prefer contacts to glasses, you may still be able to use your HSA to help offset the cost of buying them. Contact lenses — and the professional evaluation associated with them to ensure a proper fit — are eligible expenses if they are required to correct your vision. This eligibility extends to contacts that change your eye color, as long as they're necessary to see clearly and not just prescribed for cosmetic purposes.
3. Prescription Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory. They promote better vision during various activities, from driving to athletics. They also help protect your eyes against excess exposure to damaging UV rays. Prescription sunglasses make those activities and goals possible, especially for people who prefer eyeglasses over contact lenses. These sunglasses are available in a range of styles to suit any taste, and they're HSA-eligible.
4. Eye Exams
Eye exams rank high among smart ways to use HSA funds for vision care. Regular exams help:
· Identify whether vision correction is necessary.
· Ensure prescriptions remain at the proper strength to reduce strain and headaches.
· Evaluate the eyes for signs of potential disease or damage.
· Promote timely treatment of eye issues to support better outcomes.
Current guidelines from the American Optometric Association recommend exams at least annually for those 18 and older and more often in certain situations.
5. Lens Upgrades
No two people are alike, and neither are their eyewear preferences. Think of lens upgrades as investments in your comfort and visual experience. Some who wear glasses may want anti-glare options that reduce eye strain during long hours working in front of the computer, while others enjoy the conveniences of progressive lenses or improved scratch resistance.
Under current IRS guidelines, upgrades to your lenses are HSA-eligible, so go ahead and splurge. It's a smart way to customize your eyewear to perfectly suit your lifestyle needs without compromising your budget.
6. Safety Glasses
Sometimes caring for your eyes and their visual acuity means using active protection against potential harm. Safety glasses are a must for anyone whose work or hobbies, such as construction, laboratory sciences, woodworking or home improvement projects, could potentially harm their eyes. These specialized glasses feature impact-resistant materials and often include side shields for maximum protection. The IRS agrees that being proactive matters, so you can buy this eyewear with your HSA.
7. Reading Glasses
As we age, our eyes can sometimes lose their ability to focus on smaller print. Reading glasses help solve this issue for millions of wearers every day. They're easy to don when reading fine print or working on a detailed project, and you can easily remove them when they are no longer needed. Since the IRS considers these vision-helpers a part of a high-quality life, they qualify for HSA eligibility.
See Clearly, Shop Smartly
Understanding HSA-eligible eyewear options is just the first step toward making smart vision care decisions. When you're ready to put your health savings to work, having eyewear experts guide you through the process is invaluable.
At Eyemart Express, we're passionate about making vision care more accessible. Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs, helping you navigate HSA eligibility and find the perfect eyewear for your style and budget.
Ready to use your HSA funds wisely? Shop our eyewear online or find your nearest store today to experience our friendly service firsthand.
