Comprehensive Eye Care

If you are having vision changes, eye symptoms, or are due for an annual eye exam, see respected ophthalmologist Dilys Bart, MD, in the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. To schedule an eye exam, call her office or use the online booking feature today.

 

Comprehensive Eye Care

Contents:

Why do I need an eye exam?

How often should I have an eye exam?

What is a comprehensive eye exam?

Who performs the refraction?

Do you see eye emergencies?

Do you give second opinions?

Do you offer telemedicine?

Do you complete DMV Forms?

Why do some people need eyeglasses or contact lenses?

Eyeglasses

Contact Lenses

Is the blue light released by screens dangerous?

Can blue light keep me from falling asleep?

Why do my eyes hurt when staring at a screen?

Tips for relief from digital eye strain

Tips for eyeglass care

Tips for contact lens care

Protect your eyes with sunglasses, sports goggles and safety glasses

At The SF Vision Center, we are committed to providing exceptional eye care. Our goal is optimal vision and life-long eye health for each of our patients. We take pride in giving personal attention and individualized treatment. Each exam begins with listening carefully to your concerns. A complete ophthalmic evaluation uses the latest, most advanced medical knowledge and techniques. All of your questions are answered with clear, thorough explanations. 

We enjoy seeing children through seniors, taking care of all generations of the family in our comfortable, recently renovated office. We respect your time, and waits are kept to a minimum. It is our mission that you enjoy your best vision and healthiest eyes.

 

Why do I need an eye exam?

Even if you don’t have any eye issues, you should be getting a general eye exam regularly by a board-certified ophthalmologist to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Most eye problems are found during routine eye exams. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, do not have any symptoms until late in their course, when there is permanent vision loss. Diseases caught early on are more successfully treated.

The eye has been called the window to the soul. It is also a window to your general health. Illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension are sometimes first diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Conversely, if you have a systemic disease that can affect your vision, your primary care doctor will want you to have periodic eye exams to ensure good eye health. Dr. Bart is part of your medical team and sends progress reports to your other doctors.

How often should I have an eye exam?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye exams as follows:

• Under 40 years old: Every 5 – 10 years
• 40 – 54 years old: Every 2 – 4 years
• 55 – 64 years old: Every 1 – 3 years
• 65 years old and above: Every 1 – 2 years

Some exceptions to the above are:

• If you have an eye injury, decrease in vision, eye pain or redness, or you notice sudden floaters, flashes or a cut in your peripheral (side) vision, call Dr. Bart right away.
• If you are very nearsighted, or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, eye exams should be more frequent.
• If you wear contact lenses, annual eye exams are needed.

What is a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam includes:

• A measurement of vision by reading an eye chart
• If appropriate, a refraction to determine a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
• An evaluation of all parts of the eye including eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, lens, vitreous and retina using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy
• A tonometry measurement of eye pressure (not the eye puff type)
• A visual field evaluation

These tests provide important information about your eye health and your overall health. Dilating drops may be given to enlarge the pupil and enable a more complete view inside the eye. Dilating drops often cause some temporary light sensitivity and decreased near vision, and sunglasses are typically worn outdoors after the appointment. These effects are normal and usually subside within a few hours. Dilation is optional but usually recommended.

Whether you need a routine eye exam or are having an issue with your eyes, Dr. Bart is here to help.

Who performs the refraction?

The majority of us need glasses and/or contact lenses to help us see our best. The refraction is the part of the exam that determines the eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Dr. Bart is one of the few ophthalmologists who takes the time to perform the refraction herself. We believe that the health care provider should be involved in all aspects of the exam, and the process of making sure you get the very best prescription for your eyes is no exception.

One of our patients wrote:  

Dear Dr. Bart, Thank you for the recent appointment and re-examining my eyes and the prescription for lenses. I am happy because, like Dr. Crawford, you do the exam from start to finish, including figuring the prescription. Over the past couple of years I have been to two other opthamologist/surgeon practices and they have an assembly-line system of seeing patients, where I was seen by at least four different people, and then, in the end, both of those experiences resulted in incorrect prescriptions.

Flora G. 

Do you see eye emergencies?

If you have sudden eye symptoms that concern you, it is best for your health to be seen right away. Everyday we reserve same day appointments for those with urgent symptoms.

Common urgent eye care issues we treat include:

• Sudden onset of floaters, flashes or a cut in your peripheral (side) vision
• Sudden loss of vision
• Sudden onset of double vision
• Eye pain
• Corneal scratch (abrasion)
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Foreign body
• Skin rash around the eye
• Chemical burn

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call The SF Vision Center at 415-843-7210 for a same day appointment.

Do you give second opinions?

Dr. Bart often sees patients wanting a second opinion for an ocular diagnosis or recommended treatment. With top-university training and over 20 years of experience, she works diligently to get to the bottom of the issue.

Do you offer telemedicine?

We are available to offer expert eye care via telemedicine and phone appointments.

Do you complete DMV Forms?

If you fail the vision screening exam at the DMV, you can have an eye exam with Dr. Bart, who will then complete Form DL-62, “Report of Vision Examination.” The DMV uses this information to make a determination regarding your driver’s license privileges.

Why do some people need eyeglasses or contact lenses?

Ametropia, also called refractive error, is blurry vision from having nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. Ideally, when light rays enter the eye, they intersect on the retinal nerve tissue in the back of the eye. The retina then sends the visual information to the brain for processing into vision. Often, the structures of the eye are imperfect, and the light rays intersect in front of or in back of the retina, causing blurry vision. Eye structures that commonly cause this problem are the curvature of the cornea (the clear dome of the eye), the length of the eye, and the shape of the lens.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

If you have myopia, you can see close objects clearly, but distant objects are blurry. Myopia is usually caused by the eye being too long or the cornea being too steeply curved for the light rays to focus clearly on the retina. Nearsightedness is a common eye focusing disorder. It has been on the rise for several decades. It is estimated that by 2050, nearly half the people in the world will have nearsightedness.

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

If you have hyperopia, you can see distant objects better than close ones, and all objects may be blurry without glasses. Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat.

Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, you have blurry vision at all distances. Ideally, the eye and many of its structures are approximately round, like a baseball. Light comes into the eye and bends evenly, which gives you a clear visual image. But if you have astigmatism, your cornea or lens is shaped more like a football or the back of a spoon. Light gets bent more in one direction than another, creating a blurry image. Astigmatism rarely occurs alone; it usually accompanies myopia or hyperopia.

Presbyopia

If you have presbyopia, you have lost some ability to focus up close as a result of too many birthdays. Most people start to have difficulty clearly seeing near objects between age 40 and 50.

Eyeglasses
The SF Vision Center is a one stop shop for a comprehensive exam by a physician and a full-service optical dispensary so you can choose the perfect pair of glasses.

The optical boutique has a full selection of quality frames with a wide range of prices to suit your style and budget. Discuss your needs and preferences with our well-trained and experienced optician, as he helps you choose exactly the right glasses for you. He knows how to style a hard-to-fit face and find the correct frame for a high prescription. He meets with each frame vendor individually to literally handpick frames, carefully evaluating quality and durability as well as style and color. New shipments arrive weekly, so come to see the latest in prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and children’s frames. We carry standard, petite, and wide fit as well as Asian fit frames.

The quality of the lens in your glasses is also of the utmost importance. We use state of the art, high quality lenses from Hoya, Zeiss, Varilux, VSP, and others. It is important to find the right lenses for your prescription and eyes.

We offer a complete range of specialty lens options:

• lens materials such as high index (a thinner and lighter material), polycarbonate and trivex (shatterproof materials)
• lens designs such as progressive (no line multifocal), bifocals and single vision
• coatings such as anti-reflective (anti-glare) and anti-scratch
• sunwear such as polarized lenses (to reduce glare), Transitions® (the lenses turn from clear to tinted when going outdoors and back again when indoors), and specialized tints
• a variety of eyewear such as reading glasses, computer glasses, prescription sunglasses, sport goggles and occupational glasses

Contact Lenses

At the SF Vision Center we specialize in contact lens fitting. We offer a wide selection of contact lenses to meet your visual needs, lifestyle and even your appearance. We help you find the best lens options for clarity and comfort:

• Daily disposable lenses
• Extended wear soft lenses
• Toric lenses for astigmatism
• Bifocal and multifocal lenses for presbyopia
• Monovision lenses for presbyopia
• Lenses for dry eye
• Rigid, gas permeable lenses
• Lenses for keratoconus

Is the blue light released by screens dangerous?

Blue light is released by screens, whether it is a computer, TV, phone or tablet. It has been said that blue light from screens damages the eyes. However, there is no scientific evidence that this is true. The sun emits much more blue light than a screen does. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light-blocking glasses for screen use.

Can blue light keep me from falling asleep?

Blue light from screens does not damage the eye but it does affect the body’s circadian rhythm, our natural wake and sleep cycle. During the day, blue light increases our alertness, helps memory and brain function, and elevates our mood. Blue light exposure in the two to three hours before bedtime can make it harder to get to sleep. If you tend to have difficulty falling asleep, you may want to consider, in the hours before bed, wearing blue light-blocking glasses, putting nighttime settings on your devices, or trying to limit your screen time.

Why do my eyes hurt when staring at a screen? 

Many people of all ages feel discomfort after looking at screens for an extended period of time. With digital eye strain, you may notice your eyes feel tired and achy, your vision gets blurry, or your eyes feel dry with stinging or tearing. Fortunately eye strain does not cause long-term damage and is preventable to an extent. 

Tips for relief from digital eye strain include:

• Take breaks: The best way to protect your eyes against digital eye strain is to take regular breaks using the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes, adjust your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  
  
• Computer glasses: Computer glasses can decrease digital eye strain in a few ways. First, the computer screen is typically 20-26 inches (about arm's length) away from your face. Many people wear the same progressive glasses at the computer that they wear all day. Regular progressive lenses consist of a large upper area for looking at objects far away and a large lower area for looking up close. The small area in between these is for viewing computer screen distance. Often people unintentionally look through the distance or near areas of the lens, causing eye strain. Second, when viewing a desktop monitor, one usually needs to raise one’s chin to see through the correct area of the lens. This head position can lead to neck strain. Having a pair of computer glasses with the correct prescription occupying the entire lens often decreases eye strain. Third, when we look at a near object, we are supposed to slightly cross our eyes; this is called convergence. For some of us, our eyes tire with the work of convergence, causing eye fatigue. A mild invisible prism can be made into the lenses and can alleviate digital eye strain. As said above, a blue light blocking filter is not needed for computer glasses unless one has difficulty falling asleep, and one is looking at a screen in the hours before bedtime.
  
  
• Contact lenses made for dry eye: With screen use contact lenses can cause chronic irritation. Specialized contact lenses can decrease dryness.
  
  
• Artificial tears: The act of blinking spreads tears over the surface of the eye, keeping it moist. We blink less during visually intensive tasks such as staring at a screen. We normally blink about 15 times per minute. When looking at a screen, we blink only 5 to 7 times per minute, causing dry eyes. Artificial tears are moisturizing eye drops that lubricate the eyes and can give temporary relief from dry eye symptoms. It can be helpful to use artificial tears just before getting started on a visually intensive activity. If dry eye symptoms are severe, artificial tears may need to be reapplied frequently because they evaporate after 30-60 minutes. Avoid eye drops with a redness reliever or allergy medication, which most Visine, Similasan and Naphcon-A drops have. Use preservative-free tears if you use artificial tears more than six times a day or are allergic to preservatives. Each tube of non-preserved artificial tears contains multiple doses and is to be discarded 24 hours after opening. Artificial tear gels are thicker and provide longer relief, but temporarily cause blurry vision. Artificial tears and gels are purchased without a prescription.
  
  
• Adjust brightness and contrast: If the light level of your screen is brighter than its surroundings, your eyes have to work harder to see. Your screen brightness should match the ambient level of light. Increasing the contrast on your screen can also reduce eye strain.
  
  
• Reduce glare: A matte screen filter can cut the bright glare of screens.
  
  
• Adjust your position at the computer: Ideally you should sit about an arm’s length from the screen. Also, position the screen so your eyes are looking slightly downward, rather than straight ahead or up.
  
  

Tips for eyeglass care

Properly caring for your eyewear will help keep your vision clear and will extend the life of your glasses.

• Lenses may be cleaned with either eyeglass lens cleaning solution or warm, running water and mild soap. Never wipe a dry lens. An advantage of lens cleaning solution is that it better removes smudges that may be visible on anti-reflective coatings. Anti-reflective coatings repel and facilitate the removal of smudges, dust, dirt, and fingerprints. Fingerprints and smudges may be more apparent on lenses with anti-reflective coatings due to the clarity of the surface of these lenses.
  
  
  
• Use an optically-approved, microfiber cleaning cloth to gently clean the surface. Do not press hard so that you avoid rubbing any gritty debris into the surface and potentially scratching your lenses. 
  
  
  
• Keep microfiber cleaning cloths clean as they trap dirt and need to be laundered or replaced regularly. Microfiber cloths can be hand-washed or laundered on the gentle cycle in the washing machine. Do not use fabric softener or other additives.
  
  
  
• Avoid using clothing, cotton cloths, or tissues/kleenex to wipe your lenses. Natural fibers have small particles that can easily scratch your lenses and “fog” the lenses over time.
  
  
  
• Always store eyeglasses in a protective case. Do not keep glasses in a car, especially in warmer climates, since the lenses and frame can be permanently damaged.

To keep your eyeglasses fitting properly, have them adjusted by an optician periodically. If your frames become misshapen, don’t try to bend them back. Doing so could cause more damage, or worse, break them. Bring them to us for a “tune-up”.

Tips for contact lens care

Contact lens hygiene is very important for preventing infection.

• Always wash your hands before putting in and taking out your contact lenses. Handle your lenses with your fingertips; avoid contact with your fingernails.
  
  
• Contact lenses should be cleaned and disinfected daily or after each wearing period. Use high quality multi-purpose lens solution. Do not reuse the solution as it may contain bacteria. Do not use tap water or saline to clean your lenses. Do not touch the tip of the solution bottle to any surface; this can cause contamination.
  
  
• If lenses are not worn on a daily basis, they should be stored in the lens case and disinfected before use.
  
  
• Do not use eye drops or solutions not intended for contact lens use.
  
  
• Wash your lens case regularly with cleaning solution and allow it to air-dry before closing it.
  
  
• Replace your lens case at least every three months to avoid bacteria build-up.
  
  
• Do not wear contacts if your eyes are irritated or if the contact lens appears damaged.
  
  
• Do not wear contact lenses while working in the presence of irritating vapors or fumes. If you use hair spray, apply it before inserting lenses. 
  
  
• Do not use make-up in the inner margins of the eyelids. Do not allow soaps, cosmetics or other chemical substances to come into contact with your lenses. 

Protect your eyes with sunglasses, sports goggles and safety glasses

Not only do glasses make your vision clearer, they also help protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation, sports injuries, and work hazards. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, eyelid skin cancer, and wrinkles around the eyes. Close to 30,000 eye injuries from sports are seen in emergency rooms in the U.S. every year. 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each year. Protective eyewear is able to prevent 90% of serious eye injuries. We can help you find the right lenses and frames to protect your vision and fit your lifestyle.

 

Our philosophy at the SF Vision Center is to treat every patient like family. For a comprehensive eye exam, phone our team or request an appointment online today.

 

TESTIMONIALS REGARDING URGENT CARE

Dr. Bart and her staff were wonderful. I developed a sudden eye infection and could not go into work; I called her office early that morning. They called me back before they opened to offer me a spot to come in that same day. At the appointment, Dr. Bart was great, thoughtful and attentive. She prescribed treatment and my eyes are now back to normal. I am very appreciative.

Maya V.   

 

Excellent access — 

I seem to get into situations where I need to see the Doctor right away. I have always been accommodated and treated so well. Dr. Bart's care is excellent.

Nancy M. 

 

Fabulous eye doctor! — 

Dr. Bart took me in without an appointment when I had a problem with my eye. She is very professional and responsive. I couldn't be happier.

 Jane G.

 

Outstanding in every way - a last minute appointment made after I had a scary eye episode - very thorough examination and explanation of that and my underlying problems. Covid cleanliness and distancing done thoroughly. Office Manager was fantastic in dealing with prescription difficulties with Walgreens.

Edith M.

 

TESTIMONIALS REGARDING REFRACTION


Dr. Bart is thorough and congenial and has a light touch when examining eyes.  The several prescriptions she has given me over the course of a decade have been perfectly diagnosed and have always worked perfectly.  She also always explains things clearly.  My confidence in her could not be higher.

Forrest J.

 

Dr. Bart listens and addresses all of my concerns. She is very careful in her refraction. Her exams are tailored to the patient, not cookie cutter. I have faith in her attention to my eye health and vision concerns.

Margaret P. 

 

Excellent visit. Confident that my perscription is correct and have already recommended your office to my wife.

Scott C. 

 

TESTIMONIALS REGARDING CONTACT LENSES


I have been Dr. Bart's patient for approximately five years. She is extremely competent, professional and responsive. I have been wearing contact lenses for 37 years and she is the only physician to repeatedly provide a perfect fit and prescription strength on the first attempt. The same has been true for my eye glass prescriptions.
Dr. Bart is thoughtful in addressing questions and concerns, immediately responsive to emergencies and, in general, a lovely person.

Allyson E.

 


I came to Dr. Bart because my eyes were getting irritated after wearing my contact lenses.  After learning more about my situation, she did a thorough eye exam.  I do not like the glaucoma test, but she figured out a way to make it comfortable.  She explained my condition, discussed my treatment plan and answered all my questions.  She was both knowledgeable and caring - she's a great find.

Leilah P.

 

TESTIMONIALS REGARDING THE OPTICAL DEPARTMENT


What a great practice. Always a pleasure to go. Dr. Bart is very patient and listens to your questions and concerns. Sam, who fits the frames is very knowledgeable. I broke my glasses and they were able to see me with 10 minutes notice and fix the issue. Highly recommend them

Mike S.

 

I Recommend Dr. Dilys Bart — 

Dr. Dilys Bart is very personable, positive, efficient, has great listening skills. I enjoy coming to see her for my annual eye health appointment. She is very careful and thoughtful about my history of a potential condition. I also love selecting a new pair of glasses. Her office has the latest, fashionable styles for all budgets. I really enjoyed working with Sam to select my new glasses. Both Dr. Bart and Sam explain everything clearly and never rush me.

Carol N.

 

Great experience  — 

Dr. Bart was so welcoming and professional. Listened to my concerns and addressed them with some great suggestions. She also has a really nice optician who helped me pick out glasses - even made this task fun. Thanks so much.

Sara S. 

 

Fast, friendly and helpful! Got a great new pair of glasses that fit great and make the whole world clearer.

Christopher R .

 

Sam was wonderful at fitting our daughters glasses as always.

Sonia B. 

 

Great service, professionalism, and products — 

Service, and quality of the glasses, has always been stellar; but this year when something went wrong (my frame broke) Dr. Bart, Sonya and Sam all went above and beyond to fix the problem. The break was no-one’s fault but they all ensured that I had a great outcome. You can tell a lot about a business’s true service and professionalism when something goes wrong, and Dr. Bart’s is wonderful.

Amy L.