5 Best Eye Health Apps and Tools for Vision Care

Eye health is a growing concern in America, with the number of individuals experiencing vision difficulties rising by 28% in the past 12 years. 

The National Eye Institute (NEI) projects that Americans will face even greater challenges with eyesight, blindness, and eye diseases over the coming decades. This troubling trend underscores the need for improved access to eye care services and better management of vision health. 

One significant barrier to eye care is the high cost associated with services, the complexities of insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, and limited accessibility. Additionally, many adults lack sufficient eye health literacy, making it challenging to navigate available resources and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. 

Numerous eye health-focused apps have been developed in response to these needs, offering various solutions to improve vision care. Below, we explore five of the best eye health apps and tools to support and enhance your eye care routine. 

#1 Before Launcher (for managing screen time)

In 2023, the average American reportedly racked up seven hours of screen time daily, leading to vision-related issues like eye strain and headaches as well as difficulty focusing on tasks. For Android users, a tried-and-true way to limit excessive screen time is by downloading a third-party launcher to streamline their home screens. One example of this is Before Launcher, an app available to download on the Google Play Store.

With this tool, Android users can enjoy features like customizable, minimalist home screens that only show the apps they want to prioritize to avoid aimless browsing. According to the app’s developer, this launcher can help you decrease the amount of times you open your phone by 40%. In addition, Before Launcher compiles a list of the apps they spend the most time on and has advanced notification controls to prevent distractions during workflows.

#2 Blink Land (for better screen habits)

The American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2022 Gamer Survey results showed that the typical gamer is prone to experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain. Prolonged screen time among gamers also decreased blink time, putting them at risk of eye infections. To address these issues, the AOA developed Blink Land, a mobile game available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store that aims to educate gamers on how screen time and eye health are connected. 

Through minigames, facts, and trivia, Blink Land shares tangible actions that gamers can take to protect their eyes while on screens. These include eye health tips such as using the 20-20-20 rule, blinking frequently, and setting up screens properly. The game also reminds players to book in-person yearly exams with an eye doctor. 

#3 ContactsDirect Official (for buying contacts)

Accessibility to contact lenses is crucial for the 45 million people in the US who rely on them for clear vision. ContactsDirect simplifies the process of purchasing contact lenses online, offering a wide range of brands and prescription options. On their website and through the official ContactsDirect app, customers can find contact lenses including Dailies Total 1, Biofinity Toric, and Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism. This convenience is particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty accessing traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

When installed on your home screen, the app’s easy-to-use interface allows users to buy or renew purchases in seconds. Both the app and the website accept major insurance plans as in-network providers and are out-of-network providers for many others. Flexible Spending accounts and health savings accounts are also accepted, further enhancing contact lens accessibility. The ContactsDirect app is available on the Google Play Store, providing a convenient and efficient way to manage contact lens needs. 

#4 Contact Lens Tracker (for replacement reminders)

Proper contact lens hygiene is essential for preventing infections and maintaining eye health. Contact Lens Tracker ensures users adhere to their replacement schedules by providing customizable reminders. Available on the Apple App Store, this free, comprehensive tracking solution ensures that users receive timely notifications as their lenses approach expiration, persistently reminding you until they are replaced.

The app also has features for tracking contact lens accessories such as solutions, cases, and eye drops that similarly require replacement. This helps users maintain a consistent and safe contact lens routine, reducing the risk of eye infections and other complications.

#5 Glaucoma in Perspective (for Glaucoma Education)

The Glaucoma Research Foundation estimates that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only half know that they have it. Developed by researchers from the University of London, the Glaucoma in Perspective app provides glaucoma education in a simple, visual, jargon-free, easy-to-use format. The app aims to help patients and their families better understand the potential impact of the condition on their lives.

For instance, there’s a feature on the app that shows a series of interactive demonstrations to highlight the subtle sight loss that can occur with glaucoma. Once downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, users are also provided with up-to-date information about their condition and the treatments available via a series of novel animations.

By integrating these apps into your daily routine, you can take significant steps toward maintaining and improving your vision health.