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.

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.

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. Comprehensive eye exams enable our 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.

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.

To safeguard the health of your eyes and sight, have a comprehensive, in-person eye exam with our eye doctor on a regular basis. Your health may depend on it.

Middletown Eye Care in Middletown provides comprehensive eye exams using the most advanced equipment available. Schedule an exam with us today.