Are prescription sunglasses a qualified medical expense?
Asked by: Prof. Davonte Kovacek | Last update: January 7, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (12 votes)
Are prescription sunglasses a medical expense?
The answer is yes, but there are nuances. The money spent on reading or prescription eyeglasses can be considered a tax-deductible medical expense. By categorizing glasses under "medical expenses" and itemizing deductions on form 104, Schedule A, you may be able to lower your tax burden.
Can I claim prescription sunglasses on tax?
You can't claim a deduction for prescription glasses or contact lenses, even if you need to wear them while working these are private expenses. You can claim a deduction for the cost of protective glasses if you wear them to reduce the real and likely risk of illness or injury while working.
Can you claim prescription sunglasses with insurance?
Many vision insurance plans provide coverage for prescription sunglasses, which means you could be eligible to get a pair of free (or almost-free) prescription sunglasses by using direct billing with Clearly. First, check your plan details to find out exactly what you're covered for.
Can you use insurance for prescription sunglasses?
Usually yes. Most vision insurance plans have yearly lens and frame allowances that can be used toward the cost of prescription sunglasses. Keep in mind that if your prescription sunglasses cost more than your allowance, you must pay the difference.
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Does Medicare pay for prescription sunglasses?
Generally, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) will not help pay for prescription sunglasses, contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, eyeglasses or other corrective lenses may be covered in cases where they are deemed “medically necessary,” such as after cataract surgery.
Are sunglasses FSA eligible?
You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.
Do prescription glasses count towards deductible?
You can deduct the costs for prescription eyeglasses and eye exams on your tax return. But they must be a part of your itemized medical deductions, which need to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
How do I get insurance reimbursement for glasses?
- Attach Your Itemized Receipt. We'll include a receipt with your package when you receive them.
- Submit The Claim Form And Receipt To Your Vision Insurance Company. Note: Most major insurance providers will split the charge 50/50 (between frames and lenses). ...
- Collect Your Reimbursement!
Can I use my prescription for sunglasses?
Just like prescription lenses in regular eyeglasses, prescription lenses in sunglasses can accommodate most vision needs. For instance, if your everyday glasses correct refractive errors like astigmatism, nearsightedness, presbyopia, or farsightedness, you can purchase sunglasses that do the same.
Can I write off sunglasses?
If the nature of an employee's work requires them to be out in the sun for a large part of their work day, then they can claim a deduction for the cost of sunglasses, hats and sunscreen lotions that are used to protect themselves at work.
Can you claim glasses as an expense?
If your glasses are solely needed for work purposes, you can claim the cost back against tax. But as always, make sure you're able to prove this and that you don't wear them for personal reasons.
How much can you claim for sun protection without receipts?
You do not need receipts for up to $200 of items that cost less than $10. The $200 is the maximum for the whole tax return. Includes sun glasses, sun screens and hats.
Can sunglasses be claimed as a tax deduction?
So, in summary, if you work outdoors and purchase sun protection items to protect yourself from the sun, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for sunglasses and these other sun protection expenses on your tax return. This can potentially increase your tax refund or reduce the amount of tax you owe.
What are IRS qualified medical expenses?
Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.
Are sunglasses a medical device?
Because sunglasses and reading glasses are medical devices, they are subject to FDA labeling requirements. These labeling requirements apply to all medical devices, both U.S. origin and foreign origin.
Does insurance cover prescription sunglasses?
Does insurance cover prescription sunglasses? Most vision insurance plans provide coverage for prescription sunglasses. Generally, vision coverage is limited to products that help correct your eyesight. But some plans might also offer discounts for non-prescription sunglasses from in-network healthcare providers.
Can insurance reimburse prescription?
Most major insurance companies have a prescription reimbursement request process. In other words, you can ask to be paid back when you pay for medication. Depending on your insurance plan, the insurance company may reimburse you for the medication or apply the cost of the drug to your deductible.
How can I get free prescription glasses?
Some clubs may also provide eyeglasses. New Eyes provides prescription eyeglasses to children and adults who can't afford them. A social worker or someone at a community health center may be able help you apply. Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who can't afford it.
Are sunglasses a qualified medical expense?
Can You Use Your HSA for Sunglasses? You can use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase medically necessary devices, such as eyewear that corrects your vision. Since prescription sunglasses and reading sunglasses are designed to improve your sight, they are HSA-eligible.
Are glasses considered medical expense?
You may be surprised to learn that the money you spend on reading or prescription eyeglasses are tax deductible. That's because glasses count as a “medical expense,” which can be claimed as an itemized deductible on form 104, Schedule A.
How can I claim my prescription glasses?
The claim can be processed on your behalf in-store with an eligible health fund card. The amount you can claim varies depending on the health fund you are with and your level of cover. Claims can be made any time of year, within your claim-period, up to your maximum benefit for extras like optical.
Are Oakley prescription sunglasses FSA eligible?
Take advantage of your insurance before the year ends and call us at 800 403 7449 to learn more about using your benefits online (Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM ET). You can also use your HAS/FSA cards at checkout to purchase prescription glasses or sunglasses.
Are electric toothbrushes FSA eligible?
Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.
Can I use HSA for Oakleys?
We also accept most FSA/HSA cards; you can use your card at checkout.