In this day and age, you can do just about everything if you are connected to the internet, from earring a degree to buying a new car. There are even several websites that even offer online eye exams, but is this really legit.
Though the thought of having your vision checked while comfortable sitting on your couch sounds great, but these types of test are extremely limited. Sure, they put you through a series of test involving letters and shapes, but they don’t test your eye’s health, which is the most important part of an exam. Testing for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and several other vision problems can only be identified during a comprehensive eye exam.
This type of online test also puts you at risk for undiagnosed problems. Did you know one of the first signs of diabetes is blurred vision? “Our evidence suggests that these programs often give inaccurate and misleading information,” says Steven L. Loomis, OD, president of the American Optometric Association.
The AOA warns that on-line eye exams or Opternative test:
Has a significant potential for yielding inaccurate prescriptions
Is not adequate to safely yield a contact lens prescription
Carries a significant risk of the missing of diagnoses of serious eye and general health considerations such as glaucoma, hypertension, cataracts, and macular degeneration
Can pose significant health risks to the public.
Improper test leads to incorrect prescription
A partial or inaccurate vision test tends to lead to incorrect prescription glasses or contact lenses. “Visual acuity (how clearly each eye can see) is only a small portion of an eye exam. An in-office comprehensive eye exam also includes a patient history, measurements of the curvature of the cornea (critical for those who wear contact lenses), and an overall eye health evaluation (these can diagnose glaucoma, cataracts, and even diabetes),” according to an article in Prevention, This is What Happened When I Tried an Online Eye Exam.
Lake Nona Eye Care we value our patient’s health. The more you know about the health of your eyes will help you make the best decision about you and your loved overall health and well being.
Don’t neglect your eyes, Lake Nona Eye Care is just the place for all your eye care needs. Contact us at our Moss Park or Eagle Creek offices.