Why You Should Avoid Online Eye Tests
An online eye exam is an automated and interactive vision test that claims to measure mainly visual acuity. It may seem like a convenient way to evaluate your vision or get an eyeglass or contact lens prescription, as these tests can be administered using your computer, tablet, or smartphone from the comfort of your home.
But these tests — which should not be confused with telehealth visits — are performed by a computer program, not a professional eye care practitioner, and they cannot and should not replace a comprehensive, in-person eye exam.
Online eye tests, which are impersonal and superficial by nature, can cause you to miss out on some important, even life-saving, information about your eye health and vision.
What Do Online Eye Tests Evaluate?
First off, it's important to recognize that an online eye test does not evaluate the health of your eyes. It's more of a vision test than an eye test, as it's designed as an attempt to measure your visual acuity and refractive error, and, in some cases, contrast sensitivity and color blindness. Furthermore, the accuracy of the prescriptions provided by online vision tests is questionable.
While the technology promises convenience, the American Optometric Association (AOA) advises caution, as these exams can offer misleading information. The online eye test measurements provide little-to-no information on the health of your eyes, and cannot determine whether you may have a sight-threatening condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases. Nor do online exams address problems like dry eye, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, or functional vision problems such as difficulty with eye teaming or convergence insufficiency.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Optometrists undergo years of study and specialized training. They develop a comprehensive understanding of how to evaluate your eyes not only for sight, but for any underlying conditions. In fact, vision and health are closely linked. Comprehensive eye exams enable your eye doctor to detect signs of diseases that may affect your entire body, but which show early signs in your eyes. These include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, strokes, Sjogren's syndrome, and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or a brain tumor.
Is a Virtual Eye Exam Cost-Saving?
Some people erroneously believe that an online eye test can save them not only time but also money. It's important to note that these virtual tests offer only a sliver of the services you'd normally receive from your eye doctor during a thorough ocular exam. Carrying out a professional eye exam requires training, precision, and the proper equipment. Anything less can put your eyes and vision at serious risk.
Safeguard Your Eyes and Sight
A comprehensive in-person eye exam is the only way to determine whether your eyes are healthy and free from sight-threatening conditions. Early detection and treatment of these problems can potentially prevent vision loss. Eye care practitioners frequently discover an infection, chronic illness or eye disease during what patients would have expected to be a simple, routine ocular exam.
To safeguard the health of your eyes and sight, have a comprehensive, in-person eye exam with your eye doctor on a regular basis. Your health may depend on it.
Optique Family Vision Care in Washington Court House provides comprehensive eye exams using the most advanced equipment available. Schedule an exam with us today.