Saving on Eye Care: Bargains and Risks

In a feature article WebMD explains why why cutting costs on eye care sometimes goes too far.  Learn about the dangers of skipping annual eye exams and the the safety and quality issues associated with online eye wear.  In case you haven't heard, research shows that half the eye wear sold online is junk and even unsafe.

The WebMD article is worth reading but here is a nice quote to give you a taste:

"Never equate how well you see with how healthy your eyes are," Pierce says. "That is the biggest misconception out there." 

Ophthalmologist Mark Fromer, MD, agrees. 

"There are all kinds of systemic diseases, but people like to think it is all about eyeglasses and don't see the bigger picture," says Fromer, who practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and is the eye surgeon for the New York Rangers hockey team. 

Fromer says that patient education plays a big role in how often people see the eye doctor, but budget is an important factor as well. When he talks to patients, he puts eye health in perspective by comparing it to skydiving and brain surgery. 

"You don't want a budget parachute or a budget neurologist, do you?" Fromer says. 

The American Optometric Association recommends adults ages 18-60 who have no risks for eye disease have an eye examination every two years. Adults 18-60 at risk for eye disease should get an eye exam every one to two years or as recommended by your eye doctor. Those who are ages 61 and older should get an eye exam annually or as recommended by your eye doctor. 

"There are lots of blinding diseases without symptoms up front," Fromer says. "That's why it is so important to come in early and be tested."

More information on buying online eye wear

Here is a video of Vision Source Vancouver Optometrist, Dr. Mini Randhawa talking about the problems you may experience with online eye wear.

Here is a link to a cool info-graphic on the results of the Pacific University study showing that half the eye wear sold online is junk: http://seeforlife.blogspot.ca/2012/04/study-proves-that-half-eyewear-sold.html

To read the Pacific University study on online eyewaer, click here: http://optometrists.bc.ca/upload/documents/Speak_Out/Safety_and_compliance_of_prescription_spectacles_ordered_by_the_public_via_the_Internet.pdf

Here is the link to the WebMD article: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/saving-eye-care-bargains-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC