Are Blue Light Glasses an HSA Eligible Expense?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account that can be used for qualified medical expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for eligible expenses are also tax-free. Many individuals who utilize digital devices often seek blue light filtering glasses to alleviate eye discomfort. This article explores the specific conditions under which these glasses might be considered an HSA-eligible expense.

Understanding HSA Eligible Expenses

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines what constitutes a qualified medical expense for HSA purposes, outlined in IRS Publication 502. To be eligible, an expense must be primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness. This definition covers a wide range of healthcare services and products, from routine doctor visits and prescription medications to dental and vision care.

Expenses incurred for general health, cosmetic purposes, or items that are merely beneficial for overall well-being without addressing a specific medical condition are not eligible. The expense must directly relate to diagnosing, curing, mitigating, treating, or preventing a disease.

Determining Blue Light Glasses Eligibility

Blue light filtering glasses are not considered an HSA-eligible expense if purchased for general wellness or preventive use without a specific medical diagnosis. Using them for comfort during prolonged screen time or as a general preventative measure against eye strain does not typically meet the IRS criteria for medical care. The primary purpose must be to alleviate or treat a diagnosed medical condition.

These glasses can become HSA-eligible if a medical professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, prescribes them to treat a specific medical condition. This includes conditions like digital eye strain (asthenopia), chronic headaches, or certain sleep disturbances linked to blue light exposure. The prescription must clearly state the medical necessity, transforming the glasses from a general wellness item into a prescribed medical device. Without this medical documentation, the expense would be disallowed.

Obtaining Documentation for Eligibility

To establish the eligibility of blue light glasses for HSA reimbursement, securing proper medical documentation is a necessary step. This process begins with scheduling an appointment with an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. During the consultation, it is important to clearly describe any symptoms experienced, such as eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, or sleep pattern disruptions, particularly those related to prolonged digital screen use.

If the eye care professional diagnoses a specific medical condition that warrants blue light filtering as part of the treatment, they can provide the required documentation. This documentation takes the form of a formal prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). The prescription or LMN should explicitly state the diagnosed medical condition, recommend blue light filtering glasses as a necessary treatment, and specify the duration for which these glasses are required. Ensure the document is on official letterhead, includes the professional’s signature, and clearly links the glasses to the medical treatment.

Utilizing Your HSA Funds

Once you have obtained the necessary medical documentation, such as a prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity, you can utilize your HSA funds for the eligible blue light glasses. You can use an HSA debit card, if provided by your account administrator, to directly purchase the glasses at the point of sale. This offers immediate payment from your HSA.

Alternatively, you may pay for the blue light glasses out-of-pocket and then seek reimbursement from your HSA. For reimbursement, you need to submit a claim to your HSA administrator, including the receipt for the purchase along with the medical necessity documentation. Maintaining detailed records, including original receipts, the prescription, or the Letter of Medical Necessity, is important for tax purposes in case of an IRS audit.