Last Updated on May 1, 2021 by Aaron Barriga
The easier access to the internet has significantly improved our lives, and with more services being made available on our mobile device, the multitasking smartphone does even more today. You can do a lot on your smartphone today that include shopping, watching television, checking the weather, and now even an online eye test that determines the vision and potential problems in your eye. A study reveals that 75% of Americans use some kind of corrective lenses. Getting the perfect pair of glasses can be time-consuming, which is why a new breed of vision test promises quick results. But can an online eye test replace your eye doctor?
What can an Online Eye Test do?
So it happened again. You misplaced your only pair of glasses or maybe you’ve run out of your last box of contacts. In order to get them replaced, you need a new prescription which means an appointment with your eye doctor. But now companies are offering to check your vision online, without having to step into a doctor’s office. They even send your eye test results to an ophthalmologist who can review the results with a prior prescription and issue a new prescription for glasses, contact lenses or both. However, online vision tests may detect visual acuity but are not designed to replace comprehensive eye exams. In fact, many eye care professionals question whether they are reliable as these tests cannot spot early signs of eye conditions. If you have medical concerns stemming from these tests, you should seek assistance from an eye care professional immediately.
What can an Online Eye Test not Check?
Online eye tests cannot effectively detect what an eye doctor can examine in person. For instance, your medical case history, color blindness, retinoscopy, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts and pupil dilation, amongst many other vision problems. In-person eye tests even diagnose conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even tumors. 92% of surveyed Americans would rather complete a comprehensive eye exam that is guaranteed to be accurate. The same survey showed that 86% of people preferred face-to-face interactions with their eye doctor compared to online eye tests.
Risks of Online Eye Tests
Don’t cut corners when it comes to your eye health. Online eye tests aim to assess your vision correction needs but they may not be very accurate. Additionally, these online eye exams don’t replace other important aspects of regular eye examinations. Your doctor assesses your eye health, spotting early signs of eye conditions. You’re also at a greater risk of an inaccurate prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses with these self-administered vision tests. Moreover, if your eye test isn’t done correctly, you may not be able to see as clearly as you should while driving and may experience headaches and eye strains with your new corrective lenses.
Schedule an appointment with a trusted Ophthalmologist in Fresno today for a comprehensive eye exam and any updates to your contact lenses prescription.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
