Did you know that more than 12 million people in the United States over the age of 40 experience some form of vision impairment? Many of these issues can be prevented or treated—if caught early. That’s why every May, we celebrate Healthy Vision Month, an initiative by the National Eye Institute (NEI) to raise awareness about the importance of caring for our eyes. 

Why Healthy Vision Matters?

Our eyes are vital for navigating the world, maintaining independence, and enjoying life’s everyday moments. Whether it’s reading, driving, working, or recognizing loved ones’ faces, healthy vision impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. Yet, we often take our eyesight for granted—until something goes wrong. 

Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts can progress slowly and painlessly. Without regular checkups, you might not even realize your vision is changing until it’s too late. 

 How Can I Keep My Vision Healthy? 

Healthy Vision Month is the perfect reminder to take control of your eye health. Here are 5 simple steps you can take: 

1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
. Even if your vision seems fine, regular eye exams can catch issues early—when they’re most treatable.
2. Wear Sunglasses
. UV rays can damage your eyes just like your skin. Look for sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
3. Improve Your Eye Health
 Through Diet. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish support long-term vision.
4. Give Your Eyes a Break
. If you spend long hours on screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
5. Know Your Family History
. Many eye diseases are hereditary. Share your family’s vision history with your eye care provider.

Who Should Prioritize Eye Health? 

Everyone! But especially: 

• People over 60 
• Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure
• Those with a family history of eye conditions
• Smokers (yes, smoking increases your risk of several eye diseases) 

 Your eyes are one of the most important tools you have—don’t wait until you notice a problem to take care of them. This May, take one small step to protect your vision. Your future self will thank you. Commit to keeping your vision healthy, schedule your eye exam now.

The post Preserve Your Vision appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

How Do Allergies Affect Your Eyes? 

Seasonal allergies are caused when your immune system overreacts to things like pollen or mold. When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, your body releases histamine, which causes irritation. This can lead to itching, redness, and watery eyes—classic allergy symptoms. 

Common Eye Symptoms of Allergies 

• Itchy Eyes: are caused by your body reacting to the allergens. You’ll want to scratch but try to resist. 

• Red Eyes: are caused by Inflammation that makes blood vessels in your eyes expand.  Over the counter drops can temporarily help with the redness but could cause issues in the long run. Use them sparingly. 

• Watery Eyes: are a signal that your body is trying to flush out the allergens. Try using over the counter antihistamine drops to help combat them. 

• Sensitivity to Light: is a little-known symptom but something to think about; wear glasses or sunglasses to help your eyes feel better. 

How to Get Relief 

1. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter options like Claritin or Zyrtec can help reduce overall allergic reactions, including in your eyes. 

1. Artificial Tears: These can wash away allergens and soothe irritation. 

1. Cold Compress: A cool cloth over your eyes can reduce swelling and calm the itch. 

1. Avoid Allergens: Keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and wash your hands and face after being outside. 

1. Wear Sunglasses: Protecting your eyes from coming into contact with pollen can prevent irritation. 

1. Prescription Medications: If symptoms are severe, see your doctor for stronger treatments. 

When to See a Doctor 

If your symptoms are severe, don’t improve with over-the-counter remedies, or if you experience pain, blurred vision, or swelling, it’s a good idea to see your eye doctor.

Seasonal allergies may be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can manage the discomfort and still enjoy the season.  

The post Seasonal Allergies and Your Eyes: How They Affect You and How to Feel Better appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

What causes periorbital inflammation?

Periorbital inflammation is caused by inflammation on the surface of the eye, which can be triggered by a variety of factors such as: 

• Aging 

• Dry, dusty or windy climate 

• Insufficient blinking (such as when you’re staring at a computer screen) 

• Long term contact lens wear 

• Medication side effects 

• Eye surgery 

Often peripheral inflammation is caused by blocked meibomian glands. These are the glands that make the oily, outer layer of the tears. A blockage in the glands can cause insufficiencies in tear film thickness, causing the tears to break apart when they shouldn’t.  

Why are tears essential for good eye health? 

After a blink, a tear film coats the surface of the eye and performs many functions for your benefit: 

• Tears prevent dryness by coating and lubricating the surface of the eye. 

• Tears supply oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the cornea. 

• Tears form a barrier from infection and irritants, washing away foreign substances. 

• Tears help to heal damage to the surface of the eye. 

• Tears create a smooth surface on the eye to help you see more clearly. 

Healthy tears maintain a stable tear film over the eye between blinks. If the tear film is not thick enough or doesn’t have enough lipid layer (the outer layer that holds the tear together), The tear can break apart and expose the surface of the eye. If this happens regularly, dry eye disease may result. 

What can be done for periorbital inflammation? 

We recommend Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT). Developed by NASA, LLLT uses specially designed LED lights to gently warm the eyelids, causing the meibomian Glands to unclog and release oils. 

What are the benefits of Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)?   

• LLLT is a safe, noninvasive procedure 

• 15 minutes per session. 

• No recovery time needed 

• No side effects or discomfort 

• Safe for adults and children 

It’s quick and painless. Simply lay back with the Equinox Mask on and relax as the warm light clears your glands. It may also help decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles, acne, and rosacea. 

How much does LLLT cost? 

Low level light therapy is only available at our Simon Eye Glen Mills location. LLLT costs $150 per session and most patients only require 3 sessions with a follow up at 6 months.

Individual situations may vary consult your Optometrist for more information. 

Ask about LLT at your next appointment or schedule an appointment today.

The post Could your dry, burning eyes actually be dry eye disease?  appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

Luckily, there are some basic things you can do to help save your vision. Commit to starting them this month!

1. Schedule a Vision Exam

The most important thing you can do for your vision is to regularly see your optometrist. Eye exams are the best way to stay ahead of vision issues. Ask your optometrist questions and compile a vision care plan that’s right for you. If you can’t remember the last time, you saw your eye doctor, make an appointment today.

2. Add Produce to Your Shopping Cart

Healthy eyes start with your diet. If it’s mostly packaged foods and lacks color, do yourself a favor during Save Your Vision Month and include some produce when you’re buying groceries. Produce like carrots, kale, and oranges can protect your eyesight and help improve your overall health. Eating healthy and drinking water is a great way to take better care of yourself. Make a healthier diet your priority during Save Your Vision Month.

3. Get Better Sleep

Sleep factors heavily into your overall health, and more specifically the health of your eyes. While 8 hours per night is the widely accepted standard recommendation, each person is different. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep each night. It helps your body heal and gives your eyes the rest they need to perform at their best.

4. Limit Screen Time

Each day most people spend 6-8 hours at work looking at screens. After the workday, they may watch another 3-4 hours of TV. Then there are multiple times you spend staring at your phone each day. That’s a lot of screen time for your eyes to handle!  

During Save Your Vision Month, consider cutting down on screen time. Instead of watching TV in the evenings, read a book. Take note of how often you’re checking your phone and leave it out of reach to reduce the temptation to mindlessly scroll. 

If your eyes are dry and tired you may be experiencing digital eye strain from too much screen time. To reduce the symptoms of digital eye strain, use the following tips: 

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule, giving your eyes a break every 20 minutes for a minimum of 20 seconds to scan the room 20 feet away.  
• Sit at arm’s length (25 inches) from your screen.
• Blink often.  

• Adjust the settings on your screen. Changing the contrast levels of your screen can make staring at your screen easier for your eyes.

5. Wear Sunglasses, Even in Winter

Like your skin, your eyes can also be damaged by UV rays if you expose them to the sun too much. You can protect your eyes against ultraviolet radiation just by wearing a pair of sunglasses with UV protection. Wearing sunglasses in the winter also has several other benefits. Sunglasses can reduce the evaporation of your eyes’ tears and natural moisture and can keep your contact lenses from drying out on windy days. Always wear UV protection when outdoors to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. 

Download our Healthy Eye Tips to have an on-the-go reminder of what you can do to Save Your Vision.

The post March is Save Your Vision Month appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

What test will my Optometrist use? 

During your eye exam your doctor will check for common eye diseases, test how your eyes work as a team and evaluate your overall health by looking at problems within or near your eyes.  

Your optometrist will determine the vision tests that are best for you, but many adult eye exams include some combination of the following: 

Preliminary Tests 

• Your eye doctor may first want to look at your visual function and eye health. Preliminary tests may include evaluations of peripheral or side vision, depth perception, eye muscle movements, how your pupils react to light, and color vision. 

Visual Acuity Measurements 

• Visual acuity measurements evaluate how clearly each eye is seeing. The most common way to test this is through the use of a reading chart. 

Keratometry 

• The keratometry test is used to determine the curvature of your cornea. If you wear contact lenses your doctor may perform this test to make sure your contacts fit properly. Measurement is done by focusing a circle of light on your cornea to measure its reflection.  

Refraction 

• Your doctor will use refraction to determine the lens power needed to compensate for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. They will place a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measure how these lenses focus light. Your optometrist may also choose to use an instrument that automatically evaluates the focusing power of your eye. The lens power is then refined based on your choice of lenses that give you the clearest vision. 

Eye Focusing 

• This test determines how well your eyes focus, move, and work together. It helps your doctor see problems that keep your eyes from focusing effectively or prevents them from working well together.  

Who Should Have A Yearly Eye Exam? 

Everyone should have a yearly eye exam, even if you have good vision. Not only can yearly eye exams keep your glasses/contact prescription current, but it also allows for early detection of eye diseases and vision problems. 

Children should get yearly eye exams as their symptoms are often mild or they do not know that they have poor vision. A yearly eye exam will help your eye doctor determine if your child needs glasses or may be at risk for certain types of eye diseases. 

If you have naturally good vision or have had LASIK eye surgery, you should still get a yearly eye exam. An annual exam creates a history of your eye health while offering preventative eye care. 

I Had a Vision Screening, Do I Still Need An Eye Exam? 

A vision screening is not a replacement for an eye exam. Current vision screening methods cannot be relied on to effectively identify people who need vision care. In some cases, vision screening may inhibit the early diagnosis of vision problems. Vision screenings can create a false sense of security for those individuals who “pass” the screening but who still may have a vision problem.  

The post Why are Yearly Eye Exams Important? appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

Presbyopia 

Presbyopia is a result of the aging of the natural lens in our eye. This lens is slowly changing until we ultimately have cataract surgery, typically in our 60s or 70s. With time the lens loses its ability to change shape to focus from distance to near. In our 40s this gets to the point where many will need reading glasses or bifocals to see up close. As this process continues, the power of the reading glasses or bifocals will continue to increase until it plateaus in our late 50s 

Dry Eyes 

As we age, the incidence of dry eye increases. There is also an increased prevalence in women compared to men. Common symptoms of dry eye are watery eyes, fluctuating vision, burning, and feeling like there is something in the eye. The natural tear film consists of 3 different layers an inner mucus layer, a middle watery later and an outer oily layer. Dry eye can be broken down into two main types aqueous deficient dry eye (lacking enough of the watery component of our tears) and evaporative dry eye (lacking enough of the oily component of our tears). There are numerous treatment options for dry eye. The treatment that is best for each patient depends on the type of dry eye you have and how severe it is. 

Cataracts 

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens within the eye. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss among adults over the age of 40. Cataract surgery is how they are treated. With cataract surgery, the surgeon will remove the cataract and replace it with a lens implant. Calculations are taken prior to surgery so that the surgeon can select an implant lens of the appropriate power to correct a person’s nearsightedness or farsightedness. If there is astigmatism present, a patient can choose to have a toric intraocular lens implanted to correct his or her astigmatism. There are also extended depth of focus lenses (EDOF) and multifocal lenses that can reduce the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery 

Glaucoma 

Currently, about 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. This number is projected to grow to 4.2 million by 2030. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve in the back of the eye. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information gathered in the eye to the back of the brain where it is transformed into the images that we see. With glaucoma, there is a gradual loss of nerve tissue resulting in blind spots or areas of our vision that are missing. Up to 40% of the optic nerve can be damaged before a patient is symptomatic of their vision loss. As a result, glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” Because so much damage can occur before symptoms present, it is important for people over the age of 50 to have a yearly, dilated eye exam. African American and Latino populations have an increased incidence of glaucoma. Currently, the only treatment for glaucoma is to lower the pressure in the eye. This is done through medications, laser treatment or various surgical options. 

Macular Degeneration 

Macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in patients over the age of 60. The incidence of AMD increases with each decade of life. The damage from macular degeneration occurs within the central part of the retina, called the macula. This part of the retina is responsible for our central vision. With macular degeneration, there is an accumulation of cellular debris within the retinal tissue. This debris results in a disruption of the organization of the photoreceptors, which gather the light that enters the eye. There are 2 types AMD: Dry and Wet. About 90% of those with macular degeneration have dry AMD and the other 10% have wet AMD. The treatment for dry AMD is vitamin supplementation. The treatment for wet AMD are various medications that limit bleeding and leaking of fluid. The main risk factors for AMD are smoking, race (higher incidence among Caucasians), family history and age 

As we age our eyes encounter many new challenges. Keeping up with your comprehensive eye exam is the best way to prevent issues down the line. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call 302-239-1933 or click to make an appointment.

The post What Are The Most Common Eye Conditions As You Age? appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

• What kind of glasses do I need to watch the solar eclipse?
• How can I safely look at the solar eclipse?
• How will I know if my eyes are damaged from the solar eclipse?

Read below to find out more.

Highlights from American Osteopathic Association

Eye Safety & Finding Proper Protection

The sun is never completely blocked by the moon during an annular solar eclipse – and it’s never safe to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.

“Eclipse blindness” occurs when eyes are exposed to the sun and the light exposure damages or destroys cells in the retina. These retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy, can be temporary or permanent with no associated pain. Sunglasses, unfiltered telescopes, and polarizing filters are not safe to use to view an eclipse.

Tips for viewing an annular solar eclipse

Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. Inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use – if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device.

Technique of the pros. Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses before looking up. After viewing, turn away and remove your glasses or viewer — do not remove them while looking at the sun. If you normally wear eyeglasses, wear your eclipse glasses over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.

Visit your doctor of optometry. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your local doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination.

Keep in mind! Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses – regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun.

How will I know if my eyes have been damaged from the solar eclipse

It can take a few hours to a few days after viewing the solar eclipse to realize the damage that has occurred. If you experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your Simon Eye location for an in-person, comprehensive eye exam. Some common symptoms include:

• Loss of central vision
• Distorted vision
• Altered color vision

All symptoms should be treated as urgent until viewed by your Simon Eye optometrist. If you suspect an eye or vision problem, make an appointment immediately – this is the best way to combat potentially severe complications, including vision loss.

Following Highlights from NASA – Solar Eclipse

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed, partially eclipsed, or annularly eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun; they transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes.

Instructions for the Safe Use of Solar Filters and Viewers

• Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
• Always supervise children using solar filters.
• If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on.

Put your eclipse glasses on over them or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.

• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter – do not remove it while looking at the Sun.
• Do not look at the uneclipsed, partially eclipsed, or annularly eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
• Similarly, do not look at the Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing your eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer in front of your eyes — the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.
• Seek expert advice before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device; note that solar filters must be securely attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics

Click here to learn more about buying the right eclipse eye protection.

The post Solar Eclipse Information appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

Retro Styles

Vintage-inspired frames from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are making a comeback in a big way. Check out these “flower child” inspired shades by Kate Spade or the classic Aviator style by Calvin Klein. (Click the photos for more information)

Clear and Gradient Frames:

Frames with transparent or gradient colors are super stylish and provide a modern and minimalist look. We love these options from Elements, Scott Harris, Ray Ban, and Bebe. 

Pop of Color & Fun Design:

When it comes to color and design, we have frames that are as bold or as discreet as you would like. At Simon Eye our options are endless and these frames from Face a Face and Scott Harris are just a sample of our large selection.

Geometric Shapes:

Eyeglasses with unconventional shapes and angles are perfect for standing out from the crowd. Brands like Cinzia, Ray Ban, Tom Ford, and LaFont  have some unique shapes and are on display at Simon Eye. 

Wire Frames:

If you are looking for timeless elegance that is light and comfortable on your face, you can’t go wrong with wire frames. Stop by Simon Eye and ask to see our extensive collection of wire frames from brands like Banana Republic and Ray Ban. 

Shield Sunglasses:

If it’s time to replace your sunglasses, you might be interested in the latest trend of Shield Sunglasses. The roots of shield eyewear trace back to the 1970s and is back in a big way. These sunglasses from Oakley provide maximum protection for a variety of outdoor activities. 

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Other trending items in eye wear include frames that utilize sustainable and eco-Friendly materials and specialty lenses like those that block blue light. Ask your Simon Eye optician for ways to further personalize your next pair of glasses.  

Have a current prescription and ready to shop? Our optical area does not require an appointment so you can walk into any of our ten convenient locations.  

Need a new prescription? Schedule your eye exam today.

The post Eyewear Elevated to Fashion appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

Know the Hazards 

Understand the specific eye hazards present in your workplace. These can include projectiles, chemicals, dust, fumes, and even bright lights. 

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Wear safety glasses with side shields when working with flying debris or chemicals. Choose safety goggles for tasks that require a full seal around your eyes. Ensure that your eye protection fits comfortably and securely. Ill-fitting equipment can compromise safety. Inspect and maintain your eye protection regularly as scratched or damaged eyewear can reduce its effectiveness. 

Proper Lighting 

Adequate and appropriate lighting in the workplace can reduce eye strain and minimize the risk of accidents. If you work in a bright environment, use tinted glasses or sunglasses to protect against UV radiation. If you spend most of your day on the computer, try using an anti-glare screen to reduce eye strain or ask your optician about adding blue light filter to your next pair of prescription glasses. 

Remember the 20-20-20 Rule 

Maintain good eye health by taking breaks from screens and practicing the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.  

Don’t Skip Your Eye Exam 

Your yearly eye exam allows your doctor to monitor your eye health and help you see your very best. If it’s been more than a year since we last saw you, consider getting back on track by scheduling your appointment online.

The post Workplace Eye Safety appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

A comprehensive eye exam is not only for eye health or detecting eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration or myopia. An Optometrist can also detect other systemic issues during an eye exam, which includes looking inside of your eye.

Without a comprehensive eye exam, you may not be aware of potential problems inside your eye. Because the retina has no nerve endings, even if there is an issue you could still see clearly and not feel any pain.

Your retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen directly. This means, in addition to eye conditions, signs of other diseases —such as stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes) can be seen in the retina. The earlier these issues are detected; the faster treatments can begin to avoid damage to your precious sight and overall health.

You’ve probably heard the adage, “the eyes are the window to the soul”. Well, we now have a technology called Optomap* that gives that saying a whole new meaning. Dilation is the industry standard and reveals 100% of the retina. However, your doctor may recommend using Optomap in addition to or instead of dilation. Our Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging device captures more than 82% of your retina in one image whereas, traditional methods of retinal imaging typically reveal only 10-15% of your retina.

If you choose to receive an Optomap during your visit, your doctor can show you things they typically see during a dilated exam. They can also compare changes in your retina year over year by saving the Optomap in your digital health record.

At Simon Eye, we are committed to providing you with eye care for life by using state-of-the-art technology and delivering an excellent patient experience every time you visit. We recommend that our patients include an Optomap as part of your annual comprehensive eye exam.

*Optomap is not covered by insurance and you will incur a $39.00 charge at the time of your appointment.

The post Your Eyes: Windows to Your Health appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

Global Pharma Healthcare and the CDC are urging people to immediately discontinue the use of EzriCare, and Delsam Pharma eye drop products. Retailers and wholesalers have been instructed to immediately take those products off the shelves and discard them. Anyone who recently used the products and is now suffering eye injury symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. 

Eye injury symptoms that could be caused by bacteria-contaminated eye drops include: 

• Eye strain 
• Eye redness 
• Blurry vision 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Pain or discomfort in the eye 
• Migraines 

What Eye Drops are Unsafe? 

The unsafe eye drops have been recalled for causing eye infections, eye injuries, vision loss, and one confirmed death. 

Eye drops identified in the large-scale recall are: 

EzriCare Artificial Tears eye drops: 

NDC Number 79503-0101-15 

UPC Number 3 79503 10115 7 

Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and Lubricant eye drops: 

NDC Number 72570-121-15 

UPC Number 72570-0121-15 

What Should You Do? 

Stop the use of recalled eye drops immediately. However, do not discard the eye drops right away. Instead, seal the bottle tightly, secure it in a place inaccessible to pets and children, and wash your hands thoroughly when done. Again, do not use the recalled and possibly contaminated eye drops under any circumstances. 

The post Eye Drops Recalled Due to Potentially Fatal Bacterial Contamination appeared first on Simon Eye Associates.

What Are Online Eye Tests? 

Online eye tests are primarily intended to measure your visual acuity and detect refractive errors. Sometimes they may also include vision tests like color blindness and sensitivity. They do not and cannot evaluate the overall health of your eyes and cannot determine if you have conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Knowing this, online tests should never be used as a substitute for your routine or comprehensive eye exam performed in person by your Optometrist. 

What Can An Online Eye Test Be Used For? 

Online tests can be used if you wish to obtain a valid eyeglass prescription or are simply replacing an old pair of glasses. They can also be used to monitor your eyesight and refractive error between routine eye exams. Online testing is only recommended for healthy adults ages 18-39 who either have already had a complete eye exam performed by a doctor, already have a prescription for eyeglasses, or have no risks for eye disease such as high blood pressure or diabetes. 

*Please note that while the results of some online eye tests have been validated with limited studies, more research is still needed to ensure that an eyeglass or contact lens prescription generated online is comparable to a prescription given by your doctor. 

How Do Online Eye Tests Work? 

You will need a computer or a smartphone as well as enough space to sit back and check your distance vision. A copy of your current prescription, and your glasses or contacts will also be necessary. Most online eye tests are only meant to check your vision so if it is determined that you might have a problem, you will still need to see an eye doctor for confirmation.  

Are Online Eye Tests Accurate? 

In general, online vision tests are a recent technology and there is limited information to show their accuracy. The results of your eye exam are based off you being able to correctly administer your eye test under the correct circumstances. Being slightly closer to the screen or slightly further away could cause your prescription to be inaccurate. 

What Are The Risks of Online Eye Exams? 

If you fail to do the test correctly, your prescription will also be incorrect. You may not see as clearly as you should, which can be dangerous if you are wearing the wrong prescription for driving or other activities. You could also experience some problems like headaches or eye strain. 

Are Online Eye Tests More Affordable? 

The cost of online vision tests is typically not covered by health or vision insurance.  If you have vision benefits, the cost of a comprehensive eye exam might be less than an online vision test. *Check with your vision or insurance provider for your specific coverage. 

With the risk of getting the incorrect prescription you may end up going to see an Optometrist in person and paying to have your eyes checked once more. An inaccurate prescription will also render your eyeglasses or contacts unusable, creating a need to purchase more. So instead of saving money you might end up paying more. 

Our compassionate team of Doctors and Certified Opticians will make sure that your prescription is correct and that you are seeing your best. We have 9 locations throughout Delaware and 1 location in Glen Mills, PA for your convenience.

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