Having VSP vision insurance is a blessing for so many people in North Carolina, but if you don’t use it the right way then you’re just not going to get the most benefit out of it. Here’s some solid advice on what you can do to get the most out of your insurance:
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Avoid Settling For Eyewear That Is Second Rate
A stand out feature of having VSP vision benefits has to do with the fact that you won’t need to compromise when it comes to choosing eyeglasses, especially when it comes to choosing the lenses.
Even though appearance plays an important role, the more valuable aspect about eyeglasses is not how fashionable the frames are; it’s more to do with the vision that these lenses can provide.
Features such as anti-reflective coatings or photochromic lenses along with the latest of the progressive lenses are more than often vital if you after the most comfortable and clearest vision possible.
However, added costs for these types of premium products often fall out of your budget, if you do not have those vision-insurance benefits like the type of offer through the VSP plan.
The VSP vision benefit plan is essentially similar to a type of gift card. It can make more superior eyeglass lenses along with frames a lot more affordable. While you may be saving a couple of dollars when you buy unfamiliar “private brand” or no-name lenses, with VSP benefits, you can probably afford those premium brands that offer a more comfortable and clearer vision.
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Do You Wear Contacts? You Will Also Need Glasses
Most people, especially young adults and teenagers, make the mistake of thinking that contact lenses and glasses are the “either-or” decision. The thought pattern is if you are wearing contacts, you don’t need glasses.
Well even when you can wear your contact lenses comfortably throughout the day, it is still very important that you also have quality and up-to-date glasses.
Even the most comfortable and premium contact-lenses decrease oxygen levels that can reach the cornea. This will eventually result in issues such as blurred vision, discomfort, redness or even worse a serious eye infection.
To make sure your eyes remain comfortable, clear and comfortable, and that you don’t need keratoconus treatment in the future, you need to give your eyes a break when your day comes to an end and remove your contacts 1 to 2 hours before going to sleep.
Most people will experience contact lenses that become dry or less comfortable when they spend long hours in front of computers along with other types of digital devices. If you experience these issues, you should be switching to your glasses for a some of your “screen time,” this will ensure your eyes feel better and look better.
VSP benefits also make it an affordable option to purchase glasses as the alternative or back-up to your prescription contact lenses. In fact, most people that wear contact lenses find that their eyes are a lot more comfortable when they decrease the time frame that they wear their contact lenses and choose to wear glasses for a portion of their day. This option also allows for a way to enjoy the fashion of wearing glasses over contact lenses for different occasions.
A Tip: if you do wear contact lenses, you need to ensure you choose AR (anti-reflective) lenses when it comes to your glasses. The AR lenses offer a reflection-free and more natural vision that you are used to with your contacts.
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Invest In Computer Glasses
According to the latest Vision Council report, around 68% of Americans experience some form of digital eye-strain due to the number of hours that they spend using smartphones, computers, and e-readers. Most of these uncomfortable symptoms are easy to relieve with the eyeglass-type specifically prescribed for use with digital devices, better known as computer glasses.
If you are currently wearing progressive lenses or bifocals, switch to glasses that have single-vision lenses, which are designed specifically for distances between your screen and your eyes, which also contribute to making your neck and eyes feel more comfortable while you are using your computer.
Your VSP benefits also make this option a lot more affordable!
A Tip: When you use digital devices, the lenses that feature anti-reflective coatings offer an additional level of clarity and comfort. Also, if you are using digital devices on a frequent basis, chooses the lenses that will protect the eyes from high-energy blue-light which is also potentially harmful. Ask the eye-care professional that you use for more information.
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Supplement The VSP Coverage That You Have With HSA (Health Savings Account)
Caring for your eyes is extremely important, yet eyewear of quality is not cheap. None of the vision insurances will cover all the costs associated with your eye-exam, contact lenses, and eyeglasses, particularly when you have chosen the best type of eyewear.
An HSA (health savings account), offers you a way to set-aside your pre-tax dollars every time you get paid, which you can then use for any health-related expense that your Vision Insurance fails to cover. This includes your contact lenses and eyeglasses. Also, you won’t have to be concerned about losing money in an HSA, when the year comes to an end as the balance will roll-over to the next year.
Discuss these options with your HR representative at your place of work to make sure your HSA is the best choice for your needs.
Remember That VSP Benefits Are There To Use- Avoid Passing Up On Them!