Best Online Eye Exams for Contacts
Eye exams are traditionally done in person with an optometrist, but now there might be another option. We are going to walk you through the ins and outs of these virtual exams and tell you about the best online eye exams for contacts!
Eye exams are traditionally done in person with an optometrist, but now there might be another option. Everything these days seems to be moving to the online sphere, so it’s expected that eye care would do the same. Just as you can now try on eyeglass and sunglass frames virtually from the comfort of your own computer, you can now access eye exams online. We are going to walk you through the ins and outs of these virtual exams and tell you about the best online eye exams for contacts!
How Do Online Eye Exams Work?
Many online eye exams are done online using a website on either a smartphone or a computer, but some also offer an app to be downloaded. Some of the apps and websites also make you create an account and pay for the online exam as insurance does not cover online eye exams. This may or may not end up being more expensive than a visit to your eye doctor, depending on your insurance coverage.
The websites or apps may ask you to sit your phone down and take 10 steps back. This would be the distance vision check. Some of them also check astigmatism and color vision, although the overall effectiveness of these tests remains to be determined.
When Does It Make Sense To Use An Online Eye Exam?
Online eye exams were initially made for healthy 18-39-year-old patient, with no systemic issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and who had recently had an eye exam completed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist within the last year or two and was told that they had a healthy eye.
If you wear contact lenses, be mindful about your use of online eye exams. If you are not a contact lens wear, are between the ages of 18-39, are not a highly near-sighted patient (-6.00 D or greater), have no systemic complications, and have not had any recent ocular side effects, an online eye exam may be an option for you.
What Are The Top Online Eye Exams?
GlassesUSA - Best All-Around
GlassesUSA offers an online vision test that lets you renew your prescription from home. They are known for their large selection of eyewear and also sell popular contact lens brands if you want to find cheap contacts.
Warby Parker - Best App Experience
Warby Parker provides an easy-to-use app and offers a virtual vision test. They are popular for their stylish glasses, but also offer contact lenses if you want to compare contact lens prices.
Lenses For Less - Best Budget Option
Lenses For Less offers low-priced contact lenses and a simple online exam service to renew your prescription affordably, which can be helpful if you're on a tight budget.
Lensabl - Best for Convenience
Lensabl provides quick online eye exams and delivers contacts to your door, making it a convenient choice if you want to renew your prescription and get your lenses shipped fast.
What Are The Best Free Online Eye Exams For Contacts?
GlassesUSA
They occasionally offer free online vision tests to renew existing prescriptions and often run promotions on contact lenses including brands like Acuvue and Air Optix.
How Do I Get My Prescription From An Online Free Eye Exam?
The websites that offer you a copy of your prescription will not give it to you for free. The website/app will send the prescription to an eyecare professional in your state, they will review it, sign it, and send it back, likely via email. While this format is acceptable in some places, some states do not allow prescriptions to be written this way. Be sure to check your local protocols in advance to avoid any confusion!
When Will My Eye Prescription Expire?
All states have mandatory expiration dates on vision prescriptions. Prescriptions are typically valid for a minimum of one year, while some states are valid for up to two years. Find your state below to see how long your prescription is likely valid:
Alabama: 1 year
Alaska: 1 year
Arizona: 1 year
Arkansas: 1 year
California: 1 to 2 years
Colorado: 1 year
Connecticut: 1 year
Delaware: 1 year
Florida: 2 years
Georgia: 1 year
Hawaii: 1 year
Idaho: 1 year
Illinois: 1 year
Indiana: 1 year
Iowa: 1 year to 18 months
Kansas: 1 year
Kentucky: 1 year
Louisiana: 1 year to 18 months
Maine: 1 to 2 years
Maryland: 1 to 2 years
Massachusetts: 1 year
Michigan: 1 year
Minnesota: 2 years
Mississippi: 1 to 2 years
Missouri: 1 year
Montana: 1 year
Nebraska: 1 year
Nevada: 1 year
New Hampshire: 1 year
New Jersey: 1 to 2 years
New Mexico: 2 years
New York: 1 year
North Carolina: 1 year
North Dakota: 1 year
Ohio: 1 year
Oklahoma: 1 year
Oregon: 1 year
Pennsylvania: 1 year
Rhode Island: 1 year
South Carolina: 1 year
South Dakota: 1 year
Tennessee: 1 year
Texas: 1 year
Utah: 2 years
Vermont: 1 year
Virginia: 1 year
Washington: 2 years
Washington, D.C.: 1 year
West Virginia: 1 year
Wisconsin: 1 year
Wyoming: 1 year
Prescription expiration aside, there is more to consider when scheduling out your optometrist visits. For more information, see our article about how often you should get an eye exam.
Are Online Eye Exams Safe?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no. There are many factors to consider regarding eye health, especially for those who wear contacts regularly. The online eye exams themselves are not harmful in any capacity. The computer screen, in this particular instance, will not harm your eyes.
For regular contact wearers, it is important to know that the skin around the eyes is filled with Staphylococcus aureus. The eye can be subject to bacterial keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Even the cleanest of people will have natural bacteria in the skin around the eyes. Online eye exams only check vision and do not check the actual health of the eye and surrounding area.
Are Online Eye Exams a Substitute for In-Person Visits?
Online eye exams, especially for contact wearers, should be considered a supplement to regular optometrist visits as opposed to a substitute. There is a lot that goes into eye care, and vision tests are just one part of it. If you are in a pinch time or budget-wise, online eye exams can be helpful as they are cheap, usually don’t require vision insurance, and can be done anytime from the location of your choice.
For overall eye health, it is recommended that you see an eye care specialist once a year-more often if you have a record of poor eye health or a specific condition. A trained professional will be able to pick up on things that, unfortunately, a regular computer cannot. It’s best practice to keep an eye on your own personal health and wellness. So take note of your eyes when taking inventory, and use your best judgment in seeing medical professionals.