Tips from i2i eyecare to Put Your Flex Spending Account to Work for Your Eyes

Do you have a “use it or lose it” flexible spending account? If you are unsure of how to use your flexible spending account i2i eyecare offers some useful tips and eligible expenses.

What is a Flexible Spending Account?

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a type of financial account that can be set up through an employer which offers a tax-advantage.  The FSA is a way for an employee to reserve a portion of their earnings to pay for medical expenses.  The money that is deducted from the employee’s earnings is not subject to payroll taxes which allows for a substantial savings in payroll taxes.  These types of accounts have increased in recent years because individuals can lower their taxable income by up to $5,000 dollars.  The disadvantage to using an FSA is that if all of the funds are not used by the end of the plan year the funds are lost. 

How Do Flexible Spending Accounts Work?

FSA accounts allow an employee to have funds up to $5000 withheld tax-free from their earnings.  This amount can be used on various medical and dependent care expenses.  The funds are either reimbursed by the employer, or a debit card is issued and the funds are directly credited against the available balance.

Here are some tips on vision related expenses that are eligible for FSA.  Don’t wait until the last minute and find yourself scrambling to use the last of your funds before December 31st. 

·         Eye Exams: Eye exams are a great way to use your FSA dollars.  If you haven’t had an exam in the past year Dr. Lisanne Rogers recommends making an appointment.

·         Prescription Sunglasses: Believe it or not, prescription sunglasses are covered by your FSA because they are considered a medical device.  So, take advantage of this great opportunity to treat yourself to a great pair of designer sunglasses.

·         Designer Eyeglasses: If you are ready for an update to your eyeglass wardrobe or just looking for that funky pair of glasses to add to your collection, now is the perfect time. 

·         Reading Glasses: Are you finding your arms are too short? It might be time to have an eye exam and yes it just might be time for that first pair of reading glasses.  If you are already wearing reading glasses and find yourself misplacing them all the time, stock up now on prescription reading glasses and you will never be without again.

·         Computer Glasses: Did you know there are glasses made specifically for office and computer work? Even if you do not need distance correction a computer lens will help to alleviate some of the eye strain and tiredness you feel after staring into the computer screen.  FSA will cover a fashionable pair of prescription computer glasses.

·         Contact Lenses: Are you on your last pair of contacts, is it time for a new or updated prescription? The end of the year is a great time to have your eye exam and have your contact lens prescription updated.

·         Sport Glasses: Yes, sport glasses that contain an approved prescription can be covered by your FSA. This is a great opportunity to protect your eyes while playing sports. At i2i eyecare we can even RX your ski goggles so you have the best vision protection while out on the hills.

As you can see there are many options to using up the last of your flex funds before the year ends.  If you have more questions about the covered options by your FSA please contact your human resource department or contact the internal revenue service.  This article is only meant for educational purposes.

www.i2ieyecare.com

MYKITA IS COMING SOON TO i2i eyecare

Dr. Rogers and Jillian recently viewed and fell in love with this new German made eye wear line called Mykita.  The product should start to filter into the office in about two weeks. We are SUPER excited!!

A clear design signature coupled with excellent product quality and a huge potential for innovation have helped make MYKITA a major name on the international eyewear market. MYKITA’s patented hinge concepts have given the brand a unique identity. The frame designs are avant-garde, individual and unmistakable thanks to their clear handwriting. A key factor in the company’s success is its integrated business philosophy. It is lived and fostered in all areas. All steps are united under a single roof at the MYKITA HQ in the heart of Berlin. The dedicated workshop combines cutting-edge materials with high-tech component production and traditional hand assembly. The name MYKITA is derived from “Kita” (a common abbreviation for Kindertagesstätte) and is a reference to the firm’s first premises in a former day nursery.

MYKITA made its debut on the eyewear market with COLLECTION NO1. This metal frame collection boasts not only innovative and functional design, but also MYKITA’s patented hinge that removes the need for awkward screws and soldering. The individual frame elements are cut out of thin stainless sheet steel before being manually shaped in a series of separate steps.  ~Mykita

Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis, Is There A Difference?

Pink eye is a common term used when an eye has a red or pink discoloration around the white part of the eye.  There are many causes and types of conjunctivitis, which is more commonly called “pink eye”.  Conjunctivitis is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva which is a thin transparent layer of tissue which covers the white part of the eye.  Conjunctivitis can present symptoms along with underlying conditions, such as respiratory infections, often found in school age children.  To be properly diagnosed and treated for pink eye an eye care practitioner should be seen.  Dr. Lisanne Rogers at i2i eyecare can treat you and your family for medically related eye conditions.

·         Who gets pink eye?  Anyone of any age can contract pink eye.  Although, recent studies show that children seem to be diagnosed more often.  This can be the result of an underlying cold or respiratory infection, which can be the cause of pink eye.  Contact lens wearers are also vulnerable to pink eye.  The contact lens wearer can experience pink eye due to poor care of lenses, cases, or solution.

·         What are the symptoms and causes of pink eye?  The most common symptoms of pink eye are:

§  Redness of the eyes

§  Swollen or red eyelids

§  More tearing than normal

§  Itching or burning

§  Mild sensitivity to light 

Some of the most common causes of pink eye are infections spread by viruses or bacteria, dry eyes due to lack of tears (caused by overexposure to wind or sun), or allergies.  Similar symptoms can be present in other serious eye conditions; Dr. Lisanne Rogers will evaluate your condition and recommend the proper treatment plan. 

·         How do you prevent pink eye?  Most pink eye conditions are caused by viruses which are not medically treatable.  The prevention of its spread is an important step in ridding your household of the infection. Here are a few measures to help with prevention:

§  Wash hands frequently

§  Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes

§  Do not share personal hygiene products such as; wash cloths, towels, or pillow cases

§  Do not share eye make-up; mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow

§  Dispose of all eye make-up after recovery to prevent re-infection

§  Wear swim goggles in pools

As you can see anyone is susceptible to pink eye and if symptoms appear it is important to see an eyecare practitioner.  At i2i eyecare, Dr. Lisanne Rogers is available to help treat you or your family, she will help to educate you on the causes and walk you through the proper treatment plan.

www.i2ieyecare.com