Nowadays, we use our digital devices more than ever. This has made many worry about blue light and its effects on our eyes. Blue light glasses, which help block this light from screens, may lessen eye strain and help us sleep better. But, it’s not always clear if insurance will cover these glasses. This depends on your insurance company and your plan’s details. Some plans might pay you back for these glasses if they’re part of a vision care package or if your job makes you stare at screens a lot.
Many people who work on computers feel their eyes getting tired, get headaches, and sometimes can’t see clearly because of blue light. Your vision insurance might pay for special lenses that block this light for both glasses you need for sight and those you don’t. For instance, VSP LightCare™ offers coverage for non-prescription glasses within its network, which includes a detailed WellVision Exam®. Also, most vision plans will cover a yearly eye exam. This exam can spot signs of over 20 different health issues.
Understanding Blue Light Glasses
More and more, we’re looking at screens, making blue light glasses crucial. These glasses help keep out blue light from phones, computers, and more. This reduces eye strain and problems sleeping.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses have lenses that block a lot of blue light. Digital devices send out this blue light, and it can hurt our eyes and disturb sleep. Wearing these glasses helps guard our eyes from prolonged blue light exposure.
Blue light’s wavelength is roughly between 380 and 500 nanometers. Specifically, HEV light ranges from 400-455 nm, and blue-turquoise light is 450-500 nm. With so much time spent on screens, taking steps to protect against blue light is key. A Harvard study found blue light impacts sleep cycles twice as much as green light after 6.5 hours of exposure.
Benefits of Blue Light Glasses
The perks of blue light glasses extend beyond reducing eye strain. They also cut down on headaches and help you sleep better by not messing with melatonin. Staring at screens makes us blink less, causing dryness and tiredness. Blue light glasses can ease these issues by cutting down on glare and improving visual comfort.
Getting these glasses might be easier with vision insurance. Plans like VSP LightCare™ and EyeMed might help cover the cost. So, you could get blue light glasses with insurance help, whether you need them with prescription or not.
Though some research in 2017 said blue light glasses might not help much, other smaller studies are positive. One such study in 2017 found less eye strain in those wearing the glasses for computer work. Also, over-the-counter blue light glasses cost between $13 and $60, while prescription ones range from $120 to $200. They are a budget-friendly way to protect your eyes.
Insurance Basics
Vision insurance is special health insurance for eye care and vision costs. It provides coverage for eye exams, glasses, and sometimes contacts, unlike general health insurance. Knowing the kinds of vision insurance helps you make smart choices.
Types of Vision Insurance
There are many types of vision insurance, each with different coverage levels:
- Employer-Based Vision Plans: These often cover eye exams and glasses, and sometimes contacts. Extra benefits like LASIK surgery discounts might be offered.
- Medicare: Original Medicare mainly doesn’t cover eye exams and glasses. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer vision benefits.
- Vision Discount Plans: These plans help pay for glasses and contacts without needing a deductible, unlike traditional health insurance.
How Insurance Works for Eyewear
Knowing how insurance works for eyewear is key to managing vision care costs. Vision plans often pay part of your eyewear costs. They might give a set amount for frames and lenses or cover a percentage of the cost. For example:
| Type of Plan | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Employer-Based Vision Plans | Routine eye exams, prescription eyewear; sometimes contact lenses and LASIK discounts |
| Medicare Advantage Plans | Different for each provider; may include eye exams and glasses |
| Vision Discount Plans | Helps pay for glasses and contacts; usually no deductible |
Some plans need a prescription for blue light glasses to offer coverage, requiring an eye exam. Many providers accept plans like Avesis, Christian Health Aid, EyeMed, and VSP/Eyefinity.
When choosing a plan, see if it covers blue light blocking lenses as needed or extra. Family plans might fully cover kids’ glasses under 18 with a small copay, but adult coverage can vary. Knowing these details helps you get the most from your vision insurance.
Understanding how insurance covers blue light glasses can reduce digital eye strain and boost your plan benefits.
When Insurance Covers Glasses
Understanding vision insurance can be hard, especially when figuring out if special glasses, like those for blue light, are covered. It helps to know the common rules about what your insurance covers. This makes it easier to use your benefits well.
Common Types of Covered Eyewear
Most insurance plans cover basic glasses and contacts. For example, EyeMed’s insurance benefits include options for blue light glasses for different needs. VSP LightCare™ also provides wide coverage, including for glasses without prescription and WellVision Exam®. But, the rules for covering non-prescription glasses, like those for blue light, change depending on the insurance company. Medicaid’s policy on these glasses also differs and requires talking to your provider.
Criteria for Coverage
Whether blue light glasses are covered depends on if they’re medically needed. Too much screen time can cause eye problems like blurry vision and headaches. It might also increase the risk of certain eye diseases and mess with sleep. Insurance might cover blue light glasses if they’re prescribed for these issues, based on a doctor’s advice.
It’s important to show proof when you claim these glasses with insurance. This includes a receipt, a detailed bill, and the prescription. Some policies might partially or fully cover prescription glasses that protect from the sun, but not those without prescription. Offers for discounts on certain sunglasses might be available. Always check with your insurance about getting money back for glasses bought at shops not listed by your insurance.
So, are blue light glasses covered by insurance? It really depends. Some plans do cover them, but you should talk to your insurance to know your benefits. For tips on getting the most out of your insurance, check out guides online, like this one.
Blue Light Glasses and Insurance Policies
Finding out if blue light glasses count as prescription eyewear can be tricky. These glasses help with eye strain, headaches, and sleep problems from too much screen time. If an eye doctor prescribes them, they might be covered by insurance. It’s important to know that insurance coverage for blue light glasses depends on if they’re prescribed for eye health.
Are Blue Light Glasses Considered Prescription?
Whether blue light glasses are prescription varies by individual needs and doctor’s advice. Understanding different insurance providers’ rules is crucial. Insurances like VSP and EyeMed see them as prescription lenses if prescribed for eye strain or similar issues.
Coverage Variations by Provider
Insurances differ significantly in how they cover blue light glasses. For example, VSP LightCare™ covers non-prescription eyewear, including blue light glasses, if a VSP doctor provides them. EyeMed offers plans for various blue light lenses, depending on prescription needs. Coverage under Medicaid also varies greatly, requiring a talk with the provider for specifics. It’s wise to check your insurance’s policy and ask about providers’ coverage variations to get the most benefits.
How to Check Your Insurance Coverage
Knowing if your insurance pays for blue light glasses can save money and time. It’s vital to check your insurance coverage for this type of eyewear.
Reviewing Your Policy Document
Start by closely reading your vision insurance policy. These documents spell out what eyewear and enhancements get covered. It’s key to know if blue light filtering lenses are included.
Insurance usually covers items like prescription glasses and some lens upgrades. Yet, not every policy includes blue light glasses.
Companies like VSP LightCare™ and EyeMed sometimes cover blue light lenses. VSP LightCare™ users can benefit from non-prescription blue light glasses. EyeMed offers solutions for different prescription needs. It shows why knowing your coverage is crucial.
Contacting Your Insurance Provider
After reading your policy, the next step is talking to your insurer. This way, you get the most up-to-date details on blue light glasses coverage. Ask specific questions about coverage for blue light lenses and if you need a prescription or eye exam to qualify.
Since not all employers offer vision insurance for blue light glasses, talking to your insurer can clear up confusion. Discussing your specific needs, like high screen time, can provide tailored advice.
Vision insurance can save money on eye exams and glasses in the long run. But knowing what your plan covers helps you decide about getting blue light glasses, using insurance or another way to pay.
Alternative Payment Options
If blue light glasses are not covered by your insurance, consider using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These accounts use pre-tax money for medical expenses, like prescription eyewear. This way, you can save money and better manage healthcare costs.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
HSAs help those with high-deductible health plans save on medical expenses tax-free. You can buy prescription blue light glasses with HSA funds. This reduces your taxable income and makes glasses more affordable. For anyone who spends a lot of time on screens, this is a great way to protect your eyes and save money.
Considering how common digital eye strain is, with over 59% of American adults affected, using an HSA is a smart move.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
FSAs let you save pre-tax dollars for medical costs through your employer. You can use these funds for both prescription and non-prescription blue light glasses. Remember to use FSA money before the year ends to maximize your savings.
Since 80% of American adults use digital devices daily, an FSA can help cover expenses for eye protection.
To learn more about buying glasses with insurance, HSA, or FSA, check out an in-depth guide here.
Hey there, I’m Alex Hanson and I’m passionate about all things covers! Whether you’re looking for a car seat cover to protect your vehicle or an oven cover to keep your kitchen clean, I’m here to help. With years of experience in the industry, I have plenty of knowledge and insights to share with my readers. So, if you care about protecting your belongings and making them look their best, you’re encouraged to read my blog as I explore the perfect cover for every need.