If you’re like most people, you might think that all eye exams are the same. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While an online eye exam may seem convenient, it shouldn’t replace regular visits to an eye doctor. Similarly, a school vision screening is very limited in scope and won’t catch all potential vision problems.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between an online eye exam, a vision screening, and a comprehensive eye exam and why scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams should be a priority.
Vision screening
A vision screening is a basic test usually performed by a school nurse or your primary care physician during a routine check-up. They usually have you read an eye chart, and if you can see the letters, they say you have good vision. However, a vision screening can’t catch most eye conditions or diseases, so it’s not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.
Online eye exams
An online eye exam is a relatively new development in healthcare that lets you take a vision test using your computer or mobile device. Online eye exams typically involve a short questionnaire about your vision and health history, followed by a vision test where you’ll read letters or shapes on the screen. These exams may give you an idea of whether you need glasses or contact lenses, but they don’t check for eye diseases or conditions. The results can also be inaccurate and unreliable, which puts your vision and eye health at risk.
Comprehensive eye exam
During a comprehensive eye exam, we do more than just check your vision. We thoroughly evaluate your entire eye, including your pupils, retina, and optic nerve. We also check your color vision, depth perception, eye pressure, and ability to focus. Additionally, we can also detect conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if not detected and treated early.
Why comprehensive eye exams are essential
Detecting eye problems early is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Some serious eye issues have no early warning signs, but an experienced optometrist can still identify them. Prompt treatment can stop these problems from progressing and even save your sight. A comprehensive eye exam can also uncover various health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even brain tumors.
While vision screenings and online eye exams may seem quick and convenient, they’re not enough to ensure the overall health of our eyes. A comprehensive eye exam performed by a qualified optometrist is essential to detect potentially dangerous eye diseases and check for warning signs of several health problems. If you haven’t had an eye exam in the past year, make sure to schedule one soon at a nearby Pathway Eye location.