Whom do you Trust?
Tuesday, August 15th, 2017, 1:13 am
We’re so ingrained in the culture of the information age that it has become easy to put our trust in services and content found online. The internet has improved the methods used for research; this cannot be denied. However, there are certain questions that must also be asked. One that we want to pose here is whom to trust when it comes to understanding and assessing eye health.
Let’s Talk About Online Vision Exams
Of the endless list of what we may accomplish online, an eye exam may seem too good to be true. This description is accurate. There are pitfalls to the online eye exam that should cause you to question whether this is the right approach to learn more about your eyes.
The average online eye exam may appear to be quite similar to the eye exam performed in optometry or ophthalmology office. Sitting in your cozy chair in front of your computer screen, an online exam displays a series of letters, shapes, and lines that supposedly evaluate how well you see. In some cases, it is even possible to obtain an eyeglass prescription after an online exam. But do you want to? Here’s why the answer may be no.
Assessing vision at home may be convenient and comfortable, but that doesn’t mean this process is appropriate or even useful. Vision tests are good for daily living, and for being able to read and work on the computer or see street signs (maybe), but there is more to your eyes than how you see. An optometrist or ophthalmologist is also concerned with the structural integrity of the eyes, and with overall eye health. These details cannot be ascertained by a general eye exam.
A Professional, In-Person Eye Exam can:
- Detect early signs of potentially serious eye conditions. Diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as cataracts, are treatable when detection occurs early. Some of the most complicated eye conditions do not cause obvious symptoms until vision has been permanently affected. Professional eye care facilitates ongoing management, risk assessment, and overall better eye health.
- Provide the most accurate eyeglass prescription. To obtain the most appropriate eyeglass prescription, vision testing must be meticulously performed and interpreted. When conducted online, there is no one to answer questions on the spot, and no double-checking to ensure the vision is properly corrected.
- Save you money. Professional eye care is typically covered by vision insurance, whereas most online testing is not. Also, when you consider the accuracy of the provided prescription, you can realize another aspect of savings.
Marion Eye Centers & Optical has been providing personal care to area residents since 1974. To schedule your eye exam, call 618-993-5686.
Category: Eye Exam
