Have you been experiencing any vision change like having difficulty seeing stuff clearly as you used to? Are you thinking of taking an Online Eye Tests because of the perks like it’s cheap and is done under the comfort of your home? If your answer to the last question is “yes”, you should know Online Eye Exams are performed by an automated computer program, not a professional eye care practitioner so it would be utter stupidity to replace a comprehensive, in-person eye exam with an Online Eye Test.
What Do Online Eye Tests Evaluate?
An online eye exam is a computer-based interactive vision test that claims to measure visual acuity. You can use either computer, tablet, or smartphone to take these tests.
Why you should avoid Online Eye Tests Evaluate?
Firstly, you need to realize online tests attempt to measure visual acuity along with the refractive error, and, in some cases, contrast sensitivity and color blindness but do not evaluate the total health of your eyes. Furthermore, the online prescription can not be completely accurate as a correct prescription kinda requires the doctor’s direct and open communication with the patient. The correct prescription requires input and expert analysis from an eye doctor.
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), these exams may offer misleading information, and thus the patient may end up believing their eye health is better than their actual condition. For example, online tests can not determine whether a patient is experiencing dry eye, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, functional vision problem, or other sight-threatening conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc. There is much more to your eye health than just getting glasses.
Even if your eyes are perfectly healthy, you shouldn’t go for online tests, cause of the risk of getting an incorrect prescription. An incorrect prescription can mess up your eye health really badly.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Optometrists through years of study and special training develop a comprehensive understanding of how to evaluate your complete eye health and not just vision. Your eye health is also related to your total health condition. And a comprehensive eye exam can detect signs that are an indication of a bad health condition which includes:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Neurological diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS) or a brain tumor
Is a Virtual Eye Exam Cost-Saving?
Some might believe that an online eye test is cost-saving. Yes, it is cheaper than a comprehensive eye exam but that purely because it offers very little of the services that an optometrist will provide in a physical ocular exam. And like we have mentioned before, an online eye exam can not identify any serious eye issue which can cause serious eye disease which will eventually cost you money and worst scenario your vision. So, maybe it seems cost-saving but not in the long run.
Safeguard Your Eyes and Sight
As mentioned before a comprehensive eye exam can detect eye problems early on so you can take action and prevent your eyes from damage. Doctors very often discover infection, chronic illness, or eye disease during a regular eye check-up which an online test does not. So, to safeguard your eyes and vision always go for a comprehensive, in-person eye exam.
At Advanced Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive eye exams using the most advanced and latest equipment available. Contact us to make an appointment today!
