Buzz
During a pandemic, prioritizing safety requires evaluating every outing and determining if an emergency justifies potential exposure. If you need new glasses or additional contact lenses but your prescription has lapsed, online eye exams can serve as a temporary solution until it's safe to visit your optometrist.
Important Considerations
An online eye test cannot replace regular in-person eye exams. It won't detect conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. Online exams lack the thoroughness and precision of a visit to your eye doctor, who uses specialized equipment for a comprehensive evaluation.
In times when leaving home poses risks, an online eye exam can be a temporary solution if you urgently need new glasses.
Certain exams provide prescriptions, while others do not
Some online eye exams assess your vision without providing a prescription, while others can issue one. Exams without prescriptions help determine if your vision has changed, which might prompt you to schedule an in-person visit with your eye doctor.
To obtain a prescription, you must reside in one of the 37 states where online prescriptions are permitted. Payment is required, as an optometrist must validate the results. Most health insurance plans do not cover this, but it’s worth checking with your provider.
What aspects of vision can an online eye exam evaluate?
An online eye exam can evaluate your visual acuity, detect astigmatism, light sensitivity, and color blindness. Some exams may require you to take a photo of your eyes for a doctor to assess redness or other issues.
Who qualifies for an online eye exam?
Online eye exams are ideal for healthy adults, typically aged 18 to 39, with no risk of eye diseases and a mild prescription. If you are older, have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or have never needed glasses, this test is not suitable for you.
How is the exam conducted?
You’ll need a computer or smartphone and enough space to sit back for distance vision testing. You may also require your current glasses or contacts to assess their effectiveness, along with a copy of your existing prescription.
How reliable is this test?
The accuracy of online eye exams is still under evaluation, particularly in comparison to in-person exams. User error is a significant factor. If your results seem unexpected—such as your glasses functioning well but the test indicating a major decline in vision—it may indicate a mistake during the test.
Therefore, it’s crucial to approach these tests cautiously. They serve as a temporary measure to reduce unnecessary outings but should never replace regular visits to your eye doctor.
