Dorit Scharff, OD

We now have an option to purchase contact lenses and supplies online. Please visit our online store at https://santaclaravisioncenter.myeyestore.com/

https://www.framesdata.com/mfg/SCVC Maui Jims now available in our virtual frame gallery for you to try on in the privacy of your own home!

Wishing everyone a very healthy, COVID free, smoke free, happy 5781!

Digital eye strain is increasingly common with both kids and adults due to increased screen time

how doctors of optometryare answering the call during during the pandemic

Optometrist gives advice on how to minimize eye damage for remote-learning students by Janelle LilleyFriday, August 14th 2020LITTLE ROCK (KATV) With the start of school less than two weeks away, one consideration for parents who choose remote learning for their child is how the added screen time will impact their child's vision.... Optometrists are already seeing more Computer Vision Syndrome in young kids, something they typically only see in adults. "Data shows that students even ages six to 12, their screen time has doubled since the start of COVID-19," said Dr. Sarah Lunsford of Eye Care Center of Saline County. Eye strain, blurred vision, and even nearsightedness are all linked to screen time. "There is a correlation between 'near work' activities and nearsightedness. The more screen time, the more likely they are going to end up in glasses and being nearsighted, so that certainly is a concern. And, as far as really long term effects, we don't know yet," said Dr. Lunsford. However, there are some steps that parents can take to help minimize the damage: Make sure your child's screen is a little below eye level Choose a spot for remote learning that limits glare from lights or windows Keep the screen 14-16 inches away from their eyes And follow the 20-20-20 Rule "For every 20 minutes of near work on the screen, we should take a 20-second break, looking away 20 feet or more. So, the further away we look, the more relaxed and our eye focusing system is," explained Dr. Lunsford. Parents can set a timer on the computer to remind kids to look up every 20 minutes and put a fun poster on the wall 20 feet away. With a promise to ease eye fatigue, blue light glasses have become popular among adults, and some parents are wondering if the glasses would also a good purchase for their at-home students. "The blue light glasses are a big trend right now, and anything that blocks the glare from a screen is wonderful and useful," said Dr. Lunsford. Some of her patients swear by them, but Dr. Lunsford says the science shows the impact is minimal outside of the hours leading up to bedtime when blue light can interfere with sleep rhythms. Instead, Dr. Lunsford is encouraging parents to watch closely for symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and students inching closer to the screen because kids can't always tell when they're struggling to see. "That's why it's important to get them in for an annual back to school eye exam with their optometrist because they don't know that's not normal...that how they see isn't how everyone else sees," said Dr. Lunsford. Finally, when the school day is done, Dr. Lunsford says devices should be put away at least an hour before bed for older kids and two hours for the little ones. Parents are encouraged to schedule an eye appointment for their students before school begins.

Is it safe to get a routine eye exam during the pandemic?

From my very talented high school friend

We are closed Saturday July 4 for the holiday weekend.

Looking forward to seeing patients on Monday.

We are excited to launch our Virtual Eyewear Salon. Browse our frames online, in the comfort of your own home. Select your favorites and we can have them ready for your appointment. If you prefer to stay home, you may contact our office and we can order your selection with a current prescription. 408 244-4335. https://www.framesdata.com/mfg/SCVC

We are excited to launch our Virtual Eyewear Salon. Browse our frames online, in the comfort of your own home. Select your favorites and we can have them ready for your appointment. If you prefer to stay home, you may contact our office and we can order your selection with a current prescription. https://www.framesdata.com/mfg/SCVC