While Southwest Georgia winters may not bring snowstorms, the cooler temps, dry air, and indoor heat can still take a toll on your eyes, especially when combined with long screen time and skipped appointments.
At Regional Eye Center, we see it every year: patients from Americus and Leesburg come in with red, itchy, or watery eyes trying to squeeze in last-minute care before their vision benefits reset in January.
If your eyes are feeling the season and you still haven’t used your 2025 insurance coverage, this is your reminder: don’t let those benefits go to waste. Let’s look at how to keep your eyes healthy this winter and how to make the most of the care you’re already paying for.
How Winter Weather Affects Your Eyes
You might not think of South Georgia as having “harsh winters,” but even mild seasonal changes can trigger issues for your eyes when you’re exposed to indoor heat, cold winds, or dry air. Common seasonal effects include:
- Faster tear evaporation due to dry indoor heating
- Increased screen time (hello, holiday breaks and year-end reports)
- Outdoor wind exposure, which can lead to excess tearing and irritation
All of this adds up to one thing: your eyes need extra support this time of year. Luckily, if you have vision insurance or an FSA/HSA, you may already have coverage for the care and products that can help.
Symptoms to Watch for This Season
These signs may seem small, but if they’re new or persistent, it’s time to give us a call and use up your benefits before December 31:
- Dry, gritty, or scratchy eyes
- Excess tearing
- Red or irritated eyes
- Blurry vision that clears after blinking
- Light sensitivity
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
If you’re experiencing any of these, dry eye syndrome could be the culprit, and insurance often helps cover diagnostics and treatment.
5 Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Winter
The good news? There are plenty of ways to protect your vision during cooler months, and many of them qualify for insurance coverage or FSA/HSA reimbursement. Let’s make your December to-do list a little easier:
1. Book Your Annual Eye Exam
If you haven’t had your yearly comprehensive eye exam, now’s the time. Your insurance typically covers it, and it’s your best defense against dry eye, vision changes, and undetected conditions.
2. Update Your Glasses or Prescription Sunglasses
Most vision plans include a frame allowance, and FSA dollars can be used for prescription lenses. Why not snag a new pair before your benefits disappear?
3. Grab a Supply of Contacts
Stock up on lenses using this year’s benefits. Contact lens fittings and purchases are often covered, and dry winter air can make contact comfort even more important.
4. Try Dry Eye Treatments or Artificial Tears
If you’ve been putting off relief, don’t wait. In-office dry eye treatments and some OTC products may be eligible for FSA use. Ask our team what’s covered!
5. Use or Lose Your FSA/HSA
Most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) expire on December 31. If you have money left, now is the time to invest in your eyes before that balance resets.
Need Help? We’ve Got You
Navigating benefits can feel confusing, but we’re here to help you figure it all out. Whether you need an exam, new glasses, a dry eye consult, or help using your vision plan, our team at Regional Eye Center in Americus and Leesburg is here to guide you.
Don’t Let Your Benefits Expire
Winter may be short in Georgia, but the discomfort it brings to your eyes can linger long after the holidays. And if you don’t use your vision insurance before the end of the year? It’s gone along with any unused frame allowances, exam coverage, or HSA/FSA dollars.
Schedule your eye care appointment with our Georgia eye doctors and start the new year with clear, comfortable vision.