Are you wondering whether you should get an online eye exam?
Over the past few years, more people have opted for virtual doctor visits. This is true across almost every field of medicine, including optometry.
But while doctors can perform a range of services over the internet, physical examinations can become more difficult. So, before you schedule an online eye exam, you need to know how effective they are. We’ll get into the pros and cons of getting one below.
Keep reading to learn more about getting an eye exam online!
Pro: They Can Help You When You’re Far Away
If you travel and break your glasses or lose your contacts, you’re going to need to get new ones. Yet, without a prescription, you might not be able to go pick them up.
In this case, getting an online eye exam can prove helpful. You can test your vision and see if your prescription has changed. Then, you can get a new prescription if necessary.
Con: They Can’t Replace Your Regular Visits
You shouldn’t swap out your regular visit to your eye doctor for an online eye exam. Eye doctors can’t assess you for eye-related conditions online.
So, if you suspect you might have the following, you should go into the office instead of doing online exams:
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Any vision irregularities
You should also go into the office if you think you may have an infection or a condition that will require a more detailed examination. When in doubt, call your eye doctor to see if they think they can handle the situation online.
If you’re traveling and can’t see your regular eye doctor, call your insurance company’s customer service line. The person on the other end of the phone will have the ability to look up doctors in the area who take your policy.
Pro: They Can Check for Some Problems
Online eye exams can check for some issues, though.
For instance, if your vision appears blurry or stretched, an online exam may find you have astigmatism. Online exams can also check for colorblindness, which occurs when people have trouble differentiating between different shades.
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Con: They Might Not Save You Money
Some online eye exams charge more for prescriptions than an eye doctor would. Depending on your insurance, this type of exam may or may not be covered.
You should always call your insurance company before getting a prescription via an online space. That way, you can know how much you’ll be expected to pay.
Getting Your Online Eye Exam
Whether you’re getting an online eye exam for glasses or to check for astigmatism, many people can benefit from taking their eye exams online.
To get the most out of your online eye exam, look for reputable websites that come highly recommended by eye doctors. That way, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible care!
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