Therapy Eye Mask: HSA Eligibility

Eligible expenses for Limited FSAs can vary. To find out exactly what your Limited FSA covers, contact your FSA administrator.

Under IRC 213(d)(1), "medical care includes amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body." This includes medical equipment and devices.

What is a therapy eye mask?

A therapy eye mask is a face mask that acts through several mechanisms to provide pain relief. A therapy eye mask is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) item and can be reimbursed through consumer-directed healthcare accounts without a prescription. A therapy eye mask is designed to relieve pain and can help with related issues such as puffy eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, migraines, and sinus pain.

A therapy eye mask typically provides light pressure around the eye area which can help reduce swelling and discomfort or pain due to swelling. Therapy eye masks are usually one-size-fits-all and may have an adjustable retention band. Therapy eye masks are also usually filled with a material that retains cold temperatures, allowing for the eye mask to be chilled or frozen to further aid in relieving pain. A chilled or frozen therapy eye mask will reduce swelling around the head and eye region, which may be another source of pain or discomfort (Healthline).

A therapy eye mask may also be washable for hygiene after repeated use. Therapy eye masks are usually made of a dark, opaque material that prevents light from passing through. This allows the therapy eye mask to assist with light sensitivity, which may be another source of pain or discomfort.