Bifocals: FSA Eligibility

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

What are bifocals?

Bifocals are types of prescription eyeglasses that were designed to give wearers the ability to correct presbyopia (long-distance vision impairment) as well as myopia (short-distance vision impairment). Bifocals were invented by American inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century by gluing the top half of one lens to the bottom half of another to create the first set of bifocals.

Today, modern bifocals are valued for their utility and ability to correct multiple vision impairment issues with one set of eyewear. The most common bifocal variant on the market today is the flat-top bifocal, which features a very large area that takes up much of the lens for long-distance vision, while features a small insert in the bottom of the lens that allows the wear to focus on objects up close (azcentral).

Last but not least, one of the biggest innovations in bifocals emerged in the past several decades in the form of "no-line" or "progressive lenses." These lenses allow wearers to see long-distance, intermediate and near distance thanks to a smooth change in the top of the lens, through the middle portion to the bottom of the lens. This is the best choice for eyeglass wearers who do not like the look of classic flat-top bifocals and would rather wear prescription lenses that have a uniform look to the lens (WebMD). These eyeglasses can be modified to suit the wearer's specific prescription and can be set in countless frame styles to suit one's personal style.