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Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244
Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244



An Online Glasses Prescription? What You Need to Know Before You Buy

NewView-Online-GlassesLet’s face it: We can order anything online these days.  From grocery deliveries and laundry detergent to fresh-cooked meals and pet supplies, it seems as though the world is at our fingertips as soon as we boot up our computers.

Now eyewear prescriptions are getting in on the action – but before you celebrate, consider this: online vision tests might not be right for you.

When ordering prescription glasses online, you’ll often be asked to undergo an online vision test.  It’s similar to what you’d find at the ophthalmologist’s office; however, the scope is limited to an eye chart that roughly guesstimates what your prescription might be based on your answers.  It’s certainly not an exact science, nor should it be trusted as the definitive answer about your eyewear prescription.

Consider this: Online vision tests can’t reveal information that’s critical to keeping your eyes healthy and happy.  When you visit your ophthalmologist for a routine eye check-up, you’re doing more than having your vision tested – your doctor is also checking your eyes for irregularities, symptoms of eye diseases, and other health conditions.

It’s not exactly something you can get from an online vision test!

However, that’s not to say that everyone should stay away from an online vision test.  If you meet the following criteria, it’s likely you’d benefit from the convenience of getting an online glasses prescription:

  • You’re between the ages of 18-39 and you’ve only worn non-severe corrective eyewear. If you’re older than 39, it’s important for an ophthalmologist to check you for eye diseases associated with aging; if you’re younger than 18, your eyes are still rapidly changing.
  • You don’t have risk factors for eye diseases. Contact your ophthalmologist if you’re not sure about your hereditary risks for certain ocular diseases.
  • You intend to have your prescription double-checked by your ophthalmologist to ensure it’s accurate.
  • You’re committed to undergoing regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist. Those individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 39 will need to have comprehensive eye exams every five to ten years.

Don’t sacrifice healthy, clear vision for the convenience of online glasses prescriptions. To get the most accurate prescription possible, schedule a consultation with Dr. Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA.

NewView Eye Center serves the greater Washington, DC area. (703) 834-9777