From ordering takeout to managing appointments, we do almost everything on our devices these days, so it’s no wonder that online eye exams have gained popularity. They promise quick results and the convenience of staying home, but are they reliable?
Online eye exams can provide a basic idea of your vision, but they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist. In fact, relying on them could mean missing serious eye conditions or medical conditions that require early detection and treatment.
Let’s explore the differences between online and in-person eye exams and why seeing your eye doctor in person is still essential.
What are online eye exams?
An online eye exam checks how clearly you can see. You’ll read letters on your screen or follow prompts to test your vision from a distance. Some platforms even generate a basic eyeglasses or contact lens prescription, all without seeing a doctor in person.
While that might sound convenient, there are some serious limitations. Online eye exams:
- Do not evaluate the health of your eyes
- Cannot detect early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Do not assess how your eyes move or work together
- Can’t catch early warning signs of underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or neurological issues
In short, online vision tests focus on clarity of sight, but your eye health involves much more than your prescription.
What is a comprehensive eye exam?
At Kristin L. Campbell OD, our comprehensive eye exams in Delaware, OH, go beyond reading an eye chart. They include a detailed assessment of your vision and eye health. These exams can reveal conditions that don’t always have noticeable symptoms early on but could lead to vision loss if left untreated.
During a thorough in-person exam, we check for:
- Prescription changes
- Eye alignment and tracking issues
- Binocular vision concerns
- Signs of dry eye, eye strain, or infection
- Early indicators of serious eye diseases
- Clues to broader health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Your eyes offer a window into your overall health. A comprehensive eye exam can detect not only vision problems but also systemic health issues you may not even know you have. Sometimes, an optometrist can even detect signs of certain cancers that may be lurking in the body.
How accurate are online eye exams?
Online eye exams may provide a general idea of your visual acuity, but their accuracy is limited. Lighting conditions, screen quality, and the way you follow instructions can affect your results. Also, a prescription generated online may not be precise or comfortable enough for your everyday needs.
There’s also no personal guidance or professional insight. If something feels off, there’s no trained expert to help you understand what it means or what to do next.
Why do in-person exams still matter?
We understand that your time is valuable, but skipping a comprehensive eye exam could mean overlooking a problem that puts your vision or health at risk.
At Kristin L. Campbell OD, we take the time to get to know your visual needs, your lifestyle, and any concerns you may have. With tailored care, we help you protect and optimize your vision with the right lens design, dry eye management, headache and eye strain prevention, and more.
The bottom line
Online eye exams may be convenient, but they can’t match the thoroughness or accuracy of an in-person eye exam. They’re best thought of as simple vision screenings and not a true evaluation of your eye health.
If it’s been a while since your last exam, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Book your comprehensive eye exam at Dr. Kristin Campbell OD in Delaware, Ohio, today.