There is no FDA-approved computer system or app that substitutes an in-person eye exam with an actual eye doctor. The American Optometric Association President explains that “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 several critical components of an eye exam with your optometrist, one being the refraction test. The is the test that asks “which is clearer, 1 or 2?” The refraction determines your prescription; there is no way to accurately check this remotely. Also, more importantly, there is no great way to assess your ocular health remotely. Findings such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, ocular melanomas, retinal tears, retinal holes, and retinal detachments often have no symptoms early on and cannot be properly diagnosed remotely.
