Are Online Exams Accurate?
Should you be cautious of online eye exam claims?
Did you know that each year the Optometry Association of Louisiana surveys the general public and one of the greatest fears of the general public is the loss of vision?
What do optometrists do?
The American Board of Optometry outlines the scope-of-practice for an optometrist. An optometrist examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as, identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Optometrist prescribe oral and topical medications (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-inflammatories.)
This bears the question, if an optometrist does all this important testing and diagnosing...
How does an online exam work?
It is important to know that currently, there is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved-at-home device or app that people can use to substitute for an eye exam with an optometrist. The American Optometric Association President, Barbara L Horn, O.D., explains “patients need to be wary of any company that claims its device can replace the care that a doctor provides.”
Online exams attempt to replace one critical component of the eye exam with your optometrist, and that is the refraction test. What is a refraction test? The refraction determines your prescription for glasses. The refraction by itself does not provide enough information regarding the treatment of a patient, including the prescription of glasses. Eye exams uncover vision issues, as well as a multitude of health problems. In 2018, 301,000 cases of diabetes were first detected by an optometrist. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose vision than those who are not diabetic according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Telemedicine cannot be held to the same standards as an in-person visit to your optometrist.
Online vision tests often give inaccurate or misleading information. Only a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist can accurately diagnose and preserve your vision. Schedule an appointment or call or text (225) 239-2919 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Cory Boudreaux, O.D. today.
References
Communications, N. (2020, May). NCL: Annual in-office eye exams help diagnose potential problems. Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.nclnet.org/in_office_eye_exams
Cooper, Y. (n.d.). AOA warns patients to be cautious of at-home eye exam or vision test product claims. Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.aoa.org/newsroom/aoa-warns-patients-to-be-cautious-of-at-home-eye-exam-or-vision-test-product-claims
Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination. (n.d.). Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/comprehensive-eye-and-vision-examination
American Board of Optometry. (2020, May 07). Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://americanboardofoptometry.org/general-public/what-is-an-optometrist/
Patients & Public. (n.d.). Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.optla.org/patients_public.php
Reopening and Recovery Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.aao.org/







