Over the last few decades, vision care has significantly improved through the advancement of technology and innovation. It has increased the ability to provide better customers and patients care. It is no surprise that eye care has evolved from traditional manual methods to using digital technology, offering greater accuracy and efficiency. In the past, the optometrists relied on manual measurement and information provided by the patient to determine their eye health and need. The implementation of technology has now allow the doctors to use computerized tools and software to provide precise measurements, and reducing the risk of human error with greater accuracy.

As a result, with the advancement of technology, eye doctors now have the ability to detect more eye health problems, vision changes, and prescription adjustments, thereby improving the overall vision care experience.

Understanding Digital Eye Exams

Chances are that the vast majority of individuals who are either looking for a pair of prescription eyewear or just looking for a routine eye exam have probably had a digital eye exam and not even fully realized it. The reason being, an increasing number of eye doctors and clinics have invested in new tools and technology over the last decades to improve their care process. A digital eye exam really isn’t too different from the conventional type of eye exam. Unlike traditional eye exams, which rely heavily on manual methods and the optometrist's use of a conventional lens to examine your eyes, digital eye exams use computerized tools and software for a more thorough examination. You may have already noticed that the big, manual phoropter “mask” and many lenses, switches, and knobs are largely replaced by modern, minimalistic devices that handle most of the measuring work.

Digital Eye Exams vs. Traditional Eye Exams

A question you may wonder is, how do you choose between the two? The reality is, there isn’t much of a choice anymore. Doctors, clinics, and various locations where you can receive optometric care have, over time, replaced traditional methods with digital technologies that help them in their work.

A digital eye exam follows a similar process to a traditional eye exam. During the refraction test, which calculates the optical prescription, a digital phoropter is used. This device allows the optometrist to streamline the process, making it quicker and more accurate. Other digital devices, such as the autorefractor, are also used to measure the eye’s refractive error and provide a more accurate prescription. It lets the patient rest their chin and position their body in a more comfortable posture to capture the necessary data for their eyes.

Something also worth to keep in mind is that eye doctors can now enhance the traditional dilated eye exam with digital imaging technology to record your eye health. This vastly improve the the ability of doctor sharing findings and information with its patient, and create a quicker and more in-depth examination. With the information from your digital eye exam, your eye doctor can accurately evaluate your eye health and also assess any potential risks for eye diseases.

One might ask, how does the implementation of these technologies in eye care affect the cost? Luckily, in Canada, different insurance often covers the majority, if not all, of the costs on a periodic basis. This should encourage individual to schedule their routine check-ups to best protect their eye health, and receive best care for their eyes possible.

What are some benefits of digital eye exams?

Digital eye exams offer several advantages over the traditional method:

• Greater accuracy and precision.
• No need for manual phoropters.
• Faster exam times, and allow a more convenient way to receive results.
• Reduced risk of human error
• Digital images of your eyes can be saved for future reference
• Similar cost to the traditional eye exams