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September 2018

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online vision test
26Sep 2018

What You Should Know about Getting a Glasses Prescription Online

Can you get prescription glasses without a prescription? Learn about online vision testing & things to consider before getting a glasses prescription online.

What You Should Know about Getting a Glasses Prescription Online

Jumping online to shop or complete a task is almost always more convenient than heading to a store or an in-person appointment. For individuals who require prescription eyeglasses, online vision testing and mail-order eyeglasses may seem like the next best thing.

In some instances, it can save you time and money. In other ways, it may lack in thoroughness and quality. With most vision insurance plans a deductible of $20 ($69 average for no insurance) for a full on site professional exam may worth cost for peace of mind with a person to person (doctor to patient) interaction.

If you’re considering online vision testing for a prescription, it’s important to understand how it works and what you need to consider before committing your eyes to corrective lenses that were matched online.

How to Get a Glasses Prescription Online

If you think you need a new or updated eyeglass prescription, you may be wondering if you can get prescription glasses without a prescription from an optometrist.

Online vision testing is a new medical technology that delivers eye care services via the Internet. The results of a virtual vision exam may be able to tell you what corrective eyeglasses would be best for your current vision needs. Several states have disallowed non- onsite examinations sighting safety and ethical concerns with non doctor to patient personal encounters.

It’s important to note that an online vision test will vary depending on the company you elect to take an exam through. Additionally, since you will take these exams on your computer or smartphone, your environment’s lighting and device’s stabilization can play a big role in how effective the results are.

An online vision test may assess:

  • If you have blurry or stretched vision – which is a condition known as astigmatism
  • The sharpness of your vision
  • Your eye’s sensitivity to light
  • If you have color-blindness
  • Much more

Online vision tests will also require that you:

  • Decide what lens material and lens coatings you need, such as polycarbonate, high-index, etc.
  • How much protection from ultraviolet light you want
  • Enter an exact PD (distance between your pupils) measurement
  • Enter an exact head measurement, for sizing purposes
  • Much more

Depending on the test you take, it may offer tips and helpful resources along the way to guide you through the exam. Some may allow you to upload a photo of yourself, so you can get a better idea of what the frame will look like on your face.

Things to Consider Before Testing Your Vision Online

 
1. Are you between the ages of 18 and 39?
Vision can shift more frequently under the age of 18 and above the age of 40. For this reason, online vision testing is only recommended for individuals who are 18-39 years of age with non-severe corrective eyeglass prescriptions and have no symptoms of eye disease.


2. Do you have symptoms or risk factors for eye disease?
If you are or think there is a possibility you are experiencing any vision risk factor or symptom of an eye disease, it is strongly encouraged that you seek the medical attention of an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. An online vision test will not assess your eye health and cannot diagnosis or catch crucial eye disease warning signs.


3. Do you have your eyes assessed in-person by a licensed optometrist every five to ten years, even if you have no symptoms or risk factors?
While online vision tests are a new wave of service and technology, any exam you take should openly suggest that adults – 18-39 years of age – who elect to take their web-based exam still need to have a comprehensive eye exam every five to ten years, even if you feel your vision is healthy. In-person eye exams are the only way to detect common, rare and/or vision-threatening eye diseases and conditions that have little or no symptoms.


4. If you already have a prescription from an optometrist, will the new eyeglasses be approved by your optometrist or opthamologist?
Regardless of the online vision test results, all eyewear prescriptions should be approved by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Research has found that about half of all online glasses had the wrong prescription or other problems. Purchasing and wearing the wrong prescription can lead to very uncomfortable vision, headaches, blurred vision and much more.


5. If you already have a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, do you have a high-power or irregular prescription?
Unfortunately, almost all online vision testing services do not offer high-power or irregular prescriptions. Additionally, the more complex the prescription, it’s best to always consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist and forgo buying a prescription online.


6. Are you well-versed on the different types of lens material and lens coatings?
Science, medicine and technology have evolved to the point where there is a wide array of lens material and coatings that can accompany any prescription eyewear. Because they all offer something slightly different and are intended for certain vision issues, it’s imperative you do your research on what each lens material and coating offer. Choosing the wrong option can result in an incorrect prescription and make you eyesight worse.


7. Do you feel confident in obtaining an exact PD and head measurement?
The part of every eyeglass lens that delivers the exact vision support you need is the optical center. This center should be directly in front of your pupils. In order for your prescription glasses to align perfectly with your pupils, the eyeglass lab needs the exact distance between your pupils, or PD measurement.

While the vision test may provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure your PD, be aware that this measurement is not easy to obtain on your own. Even experienced eye doctors have difficulty taking their own PD measurement. Before you commit to a corrective eyeglass prescription obtained online, be sure the PD measurement is exact.

The head measurement is necessary to ensure the eyeglasses fit your face and head correctly. If the glasses are too tight around your head, keep slipping on the bridge of your nose, or any number of other factors, you will not feel comfortable in your glasses.


8. What is the return policy if you were to buy the recommended eyeglasses from the online vision test?
Even if everything seems to be checking out, there is always a chance that you may need to return the eyeglasses. It could be as simple as you decide you’re not completely satisfied with how they look on you. Before you commit to the purchase, be sure you will be able to return them and obtain a full refund. Some companies that offer online vision testing offer a limited return policy or don’t offer one at all.

The Best Way to Use Online Vision Testing is as a Follow-Up Tool

Ultimately, there is no substitute for a comprehensive, in-person eye exam. Online vision tests only assess vision and do not check the overall health of your eyes. This means that if you have a vision-threatening condition, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, floaters, retinal conditions and so on, you will not know your vision is compromised.

It should also be stated that since online vision testing is relatively new, it needs to be continuously evaluated over time to ensure safety and effectiveness.

If you have recently had an in-person eye exam by an optometrist, and they confirmed you have healthy eyes and gave you the green light to update an old prescription online, then a web-based vision test can be a beneficial service for you.

Give your eyes the best care and see an optometrist first and enjoy a peace of mind that you are getting true information from a licensed professional in person.

Categories:
child wearing glasses and pointing to brain
12Sep 2018

80% of the Brain is Visual

Vision is the primary sense by which we learn. Learn why healthy eyesight is crucial to a child’s learning, coordination and development.

How Does Visual Impairment Affect Learning

Did you know 80% of the brain is visual?

child wearing glasses and pointing to brain

The extensive knowledge and memory we acquire is due in large part to our eyesight. As stated in the Journal of Behavioral Optometry, 80% of what we learn is obtained through visual processing of information.1 In fact, it’s been found that our brains rely on our eyes so much that our vision accounts for two-thirds of the electrical activity of the brain. In more scientific terms, two of the three billion electric firings per second are due to what we see and the information the brain processes.2

With vision being the primary sense by which we learn, it’s easy to understand how poor vision can significantly interfere with an individual’s ability to learn and cause learning related vision problems. This is especially true for young children

Vision Issues are a Leading Cause of Disability in the U.S.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development describe learning as a process that occurs through a number of complex and interrelated processes, where vision is a key contributor. At such young ages, children lack the ability to fully communicate what they are feeling and experiencing. Furthermore, visually impaired children may not know that what they are seeing (or not seeing) is incorrect and a call for concern.

Vision problems and certain eye conditions are the fourth most prevalent class of disability in the United States and visual disabilities are one of the most predominant conditions in childhood.3

Learning Difficulties Are Commonly Linked to Vision Problems

With more of our neurons dedicated to vision than the other four senses combined, weak eyesight is commonly the culprit to learning issues. However, even though some signs, symptoms, and behaviors of learning difficulties are extremely similar to those of vision problems, assessing a child’s eyesight isn’t part of the solution nearly enough.

How does visual impairment affect learning? Take a look:

  • Vision problems affect 1 in 20 preschoolers and 1 in 4 school-aged children.4
  • An estimated 10 million children below 10 years of age have vision problems which affect their ability to learn.5
  • Reports have highlighted the fact that children with reading problems exhibit a greater than 50% prevalence of visual deficiencies in eye focusing problems, eye tracking problems or poor eye alignment as compared to normal achieving peers.5
  • As many as 80% of children who compete with a reading deficiency show insufficiency in one or more basic vision skills, such as eye focusing problems and eye tracking problems.5

Arguably more concerning, students with visual impairments can experience a lack of direction, feel insecure and inadequate, and embody a scarce sense of self-assurance.

Why an Annual Eye Exam by a Children’s Eye Doctor is Critical to Social, Emotional and Academic Success

It’s normal and necessary for children to focus at near and far distances for prolonged periods of time to accomplish certain tasks – like sustained reading for at least 15 minutes. A true indicator of a vision-related learning issue is when a child cannot complete a near-sighted activity – like writing, reading, and fun work books.

While the American Optometric Association (AOA) encourages parents to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams at approximately 6 months of age, three-years of age, and just before first-grade (around age five),6 only about 14% of children in the US have had an eye exam by the age of five or six.7

If a child is not achieving their potential in school or enjoying even fun learning activities, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam should be part of the evaluation period when trying to understand the ‘why’ behind the struggle. It’s crucial to note that the majority of vision problems are not detected during a routine school vision screening. These vision assessments typically only test a child’s distance vision. But to get a complete picture of a child’s vision and an accurate diagnosis of any vision issues, the following must be tested:

  • Near vision (critical for reading and writing)
  • Focusing skills
  • Binocular coordination
  • Eye movement skills
  • Peripheral awareness

When a child’s vision is thoroughly checked by a children’s eye doctor every year, a lot can begin to turn around. Not only will learning and coordination skills improve – such as reading, writing, comprehension, recognition, and recollection – but a child’s cognitive, emotional, neurologic, and physical development will improve; frustration with the learning process will subside; self-esteem can drastically increase.

A Successful School Year Starts with a Healthy Eye Exam by a Children’s Eye Doctor

Children learn best with clear, comfortable vision. With more than 12.1 million school-age children – or one in four – living with some form of a vision problem, and with studies showing that 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision troubles, it’s crucial that a child’s vision is assessed before the beginning of the school year to give them a healthy start.

The ability to see clearly and possess adequate vision skills is key to a successful education and future, and with the right help, your child doesn’t have to contend with the effects of visual impairment on learning. At iCare Vision, we’re committed to your child’s vision and ensuring that their eyesight is promoting a healthy lifestyle. With school back in session, it’s never too late to schedule a pediatric eye exam. Request an appointment today to help your child have a bright year.

Schedule Pediatric Healthy Eye Exam

Resources:

1Journal of Behavioral Optometry. Children’s Vision Care in the 21st Century & Its Impact on Education, Literacy, Social Issues & the Workplace: A Call to Action. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://www.oepf.org/sites/default/files/journals/jbo-volume-22-issue-2/22-2%20Zaba.pdf.

2The Sniper Mind. Your mind Does All the Seeing. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://thesnipermind.com/blog/your-mind-does-all-the-seeing.html.

3College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Signs & Symptoms of Learning-Related Vision Problems. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://www.covd.org/page/symptoms.

4Healthy Day, News for Healthier Living. Vision Problems Can Harm Kids’ Development, Grades. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://consumer.healthday.com/eye-care-information-13/eye-and-vision-problem-news-295/vision-problems-can-harm-kids-development-grades-724812.html.

5PaTTAN Educational Video Series. Vision and Learning. Accessed August 10, 2018. http://www.pattan.net/presentation/download/index.php?presentation_id=624&download_id=2427&file_name=Presentation%20Slides&content_type=pdf.

6All about Vision. Eye Exams For Children. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/children.htm.

7VSP Vision Care. The Importance of an Eye Exam by Age. Accessed August 10, 2018.
https://visionbenefits.vsp.com/dms-inline/pdfs/client-resources/wellness-information/life-stages.pdf.

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