In this digital age where people are constantly on their devices, almost everything can be done online. From shopping to booking appointments, the internet has made life easier, so it’s no surprise that online eye exams have grown in popularity in recent years.
While online eye exams may seem convenient, they are not a substitute for comprehensive eye exams with a qualified optometrist. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between online eye exams and comprehensive eye exams and why you still need to schedule an in-person eye exam.
What is an online eye exam?
You can think of online eye exams as initial screenings designed to catch any vision issues you might have. These exams typically begin by asking you a series of questions about your medical history and any symptoms you might be experiencing. After that, you will be asked to complete a vision test using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
While this may seem like a straightforward process, it is important to remember that online eye exams are limited in scope and won’t measure other important factors such as eye pressure, pupil dilation, and overall eye health. They only test a specific part of your vision, which is not enough to identify potential eye problems. Online eye exams can miss underlying eye issues that can only be spotted by a trained optometrist. For example, online exams cannot detect age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other optic nerve issues.
What is a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond just checking your vision. Your eye doctor will also check for underlying eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye-related problems that may not have early symptoms. By detecting these conditions early, your eye doctor can start treatment before vision loss occurs.
Your optometrist can also detect other health conditions that can affect your vision, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. They can also suggest lifestyle changes to help you improve your eye health. Additionally, they’ll make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up to date, improving your vision and reducing the chances of eye strain or headaches.
While online eye exams may appear to be a quick and convenient option, they can’t replace in-person eye exams with qualified optometrists. Online exams only evaluate part of your vision and cannot check other important factors like eye pressure and overall eye health. If you have concerns about your vision or eye health, schedule an appointment with Integrity Eye Care in Murfreesboro today. Our experienced optometrists will carefully examine your eyes and suggest the most suitable treatment to help you keep your eyes healthy and maintain clear vision.