We probably take our eyesight for granted, but without it, things like reading, driving, and even getting around inside of a building become challenging. Your eyes, like many other parts of your body, deteriorate with age.
Getting tested for vision, whether in person or online, is easier and cheaper than most people think.
Don’t wait to get screened because delaying the process could lead to serious, long-term issues. Keep reading to learn about online eye exams and why getting tested is so important.
Types of Online Eye Exams
While you might be able to find a free eye exam online, most of them will come with a fee. The reason for this is that these exams need to be done by a licensed professional in order to be accurate.
When you take an online eye exam, you will be asked to answer questions about your eyesight and then take a vision test. Online vision testing will help to determine if you need glasses or not. There are two types of online eye exams:
Symptom-Based Online Eye
Symptom-based online eye exams are more comprehensive and ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms. These types of online eye exams can be used to diagnose a wide variety of eye conditions.
Visual Acuity Tests
Visual acuity tests are a more limited and only test for vision problems. However, both types of online eye exams can be used to prescribe corrective lenses.
How Online Eye Exams Work
It’s no secret that our eyesight deteriorates as we age, and as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, that number is expected to rise. Online eye exams offer a convenient and affordable alternative for people who are looking to improve their vision.
Eye exams online are conducted using a digital eye chart and a webcam. The digital eye chart is displayed on a computer screen, and the webcam is used to record your responses. The entire exam takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
During the exam, the eye doctors will ask you to read the letters on the digital eye chart. They will also check your pupils for responsiveness to light and measure the pressure in your eyes.
Based on the results of your exam, they will prescribe a glasses or contact lens prescription.
While a digital eye exam is not as comprehensive as in-person exams, they are a quick and easy way to get a prescription for glasses or contacts.
The Bottom Line: Should You Get an Online Eye Exam?
So, should you get an online eye exam? The bottom line is that it depends on your needs and your situation.
If you have a very simple vision issue that doesn’t require a lot of testing, then online eye exams could be a good option.
However, if you have a more complex problem or if you’re simply not comfortable trusting your vision to an online test, then you should probably see an eye doctor in person.
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