Use It, Don’t Lose It: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Spend Your HSA or FSA Dollars

If you’re like many people, your Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) might feel like something you set up, contribute to, and then forget about until the end of the year. Life gets busy, medical tasks get postponed, and suddenly December sneaks up—bringing with it the realization that you still have money waiting to be used.

The good news? There’s still time to make those dollars work for you. Whether you’re carrying an FSA that won’t roll over or an HSA that’s quietly growing in the background, using your healthcare savings wisely can bring relief, wellness, and real financial benefit. Here’s why now is the perfect time to tap into those funds—and how to put them to good use.

You’ve Already Earned This Money

It’s easy to forget that your HSA or FSA balance is yours. You contributed to it throughout the year, and many employers added to it as well. These aren’t bonus dollars—they’re part of your compensation. Using them isn’t wasting money; it’s claiming money you already set aside for your wellbeing.

And if you have an FSA, remember: most of those funds expire at the end of the plan year. That means every dollar you don’t use is a dollar you lose. No one likes leaving their hard-earned money behind.

You Can Spend It on More Than You Think

Many people think these accounts are only for doctor visits or prescriptions, but the list of eligible expenses is surprisingly long. You can use your HSA or FSA for eyeglasses, dental cleanings, contact lenses, sunscreen, first aid kits, menstrual care products, chiropractic care, therapy, over-the-counter medications, medical devices, and much more.

Have you been putting off an eye exam? Want to finally upgrade those old glasses? Need to restock essentials for your home first-aid cabinet? Your healthcare funds can cover all of it.

Investing in Health Today Saves Money Tomorrow

Preventive care is one of the smartest ways to use account dollars. Scheduling a dental checkup now might save you from a painful—and expensive—procedure later. The same goes for routine physicals, screenings, and mental health visits.

If you have an HSA, you’re in an even better position. HSAs roll over year after year, and unused funds can grow tax-free. Spending strategically—such as using some funds for preventive care while letting the rest grow—can create a long-term health safety net.

It’s the Perfect Opportunity for a Wellness Reset

Think of using your HSA/FSA funds as an act of self-care. Maybe it’s finally getting new orthotics so your feet stop hurting. Maybe it’s booking that long-overdue therapy session. Or restocking the health supplies in your home so you’re ready for whatever the new year brings.

Your wellbeing matters. These accounts are designed to support exactly that.

Make the Most of Your Benefits Before Time Runs Out

Don’t let another year pass with unused dollars sitting in your account—or worse, disappearing altogether. Take a few minutes today to check your balance, review eligible expenses, and schedule any appointments you’ve been postponing.

Your health is worth the investment. And you’ve already saved the money—now’s the time to use it.

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

You’ve probably heard of glaucoma, but did you know it’s one of the leading causes of blindness around the world? What makes it especially tricky is that it often sneaks up without any warning signs — earning it the nickname, “the silent thief of sight.” The good news? With regular eye checkups and proper care, glaucoma can be managed before it causes serious vision loss.

What Exactly Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma isn’t just one disease — it’s actually a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the part of your eye that sends what you see to your brain. When this nerve gets damaged, your vision starts to fade, often beginning with your side (or peripheral) vision.

This damage usually happens when pressure builds up inside your eye. Normally, a fluid called aqueous humor flows in and out to keep everything balanced. But if that fluid can’t drain properly, pressure increases and puts stress on your optic nerve. Over time, that can lead to permanent vision loss.

The Different Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form. The drainage angle in your eye stays open, but fluid drains too slowly. This kind develops gradually — you might not notice any vision changes until the damage is significant.

• Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common but more serious. Here, the drainage angle suddenly gets blocked, causing eye pressure to rise quickly. It can cause symptoms like severe eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, or nausea. This is a medical emergency — if it happens, see a doctor right away!

Who’s at Risk?

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk. You might be more likely to develop it if you:

• Are over 40 (and especially over 60)

• Have a family history of glaucoma

• Are of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure

• Have had an eye injury

• Use steroid medications long-term

Because early stages often have no symptoms, regular eye exams are the best way to catch glaucoma early.

How Is It Treated?

There’s no cure for glaucoma yet, but treatments can help protect your remaining vision. Common options include:

• Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure

• Laser treatments to improve fluid flow

• Surgery to create a new drainage pathway

The key is staying consistent with your treatment and keeping up with your eye doctor visits.

Protecting Your Sight

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, remember — you’re not alone, and vision loss can be slowed or prevented with proper care. Stick to your treatment plan, eat well, exercise regularly, and wear protective eyewear when needed.

And if you haven’t had an eye exam in a while, now’s the perfect time to book one. Catching glaucoma early could literally save your sight.

Top Five Signs You Need a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Our eyes are among our most important senses, yet they’re often taken for granted until something feels “off.” Unlike a simple vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking if you need glasses—it evaluates the overall health of your eyes and can even detect early signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes or hypertension. So how do you know when it’s time to schedule one? Here are the top five signs.

1. Blurry or Fluctuating Vision

If you find yourself squinting to read road signs, struggling with computer screens, or noticing that your vision seems clear one moment and fuzzy the next, it’s time to get checked. Blurry or fluctuating vision may be caused by uncorrected refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. But it can also be linked to more serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or even changes in blood sugar. An eye exam can pinpoint the cause and provide solutions to restore clarity.

2. Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain

Headaches aren’t always caused by stress or dehydration—sometimes they stem from your eyes working overtime. Straining to focus, especially while reading, driving, or using digital devices, can lead to discomfort in both your eyes and your head. This is often a sign of uncorrected vision problems or eye misalignment. A comprehensive exam not only determines if glasses or contact lenses can help but also checks for underlying eye coordination issues that may be contributing to the strain.

3. Difficulty with Night Vision

If driving at night has become increasingly uncomfortable—whether due to glare from headlights, halos around lights, or general difficulty seeing in low-light conditions—it’s a clear sign that you should schedule an eye exam. Trouble with night vision can indicate cataracts, early macular degeneration, or simply an outdated prescription. Addressing this issue promptly helps keep both you and others safe on the road.

4. Sudden Changes in Vision

Sudden blurriness, flashes of light, new floaters, or loss of vision in one or both eyes should never be ignored. These symptoms could point to serious problems such as retinal detachment, stroke, or other urgent eye conditions that require immediate medical attention. Even if the symptoms seem to improve, it’s crucial to have your eyes evaluated as quickly as possible.

5. It’s Been More Than a Year (or Two)

Even if you aren’t experiencing any obvious issues, regular eye exams are essential. Adults should generally have their eyes examined every one to two years, depending on age, risk factors, and whether they wear corrective lenses. Eye doctors can detect conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy long before symptoms appear—when treatment is most effective. Think of an eye exam as preventive care, not just a reaction to problems.

The Bottom Line

Your eyes do more than help you see—they provide a window into your overall health. If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, or if it’s simply been a while since your last exam, now is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Protecting your vision today means preserving it for the years ahead.