About Our Practice in Bozeman

Digital eye strain is the discomfort experienced after looking at a digital screen for more than 2 hours at a time. The Vision Council reports that symptoms of digital eye strain may include eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are emitted by the sun in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVB radiation is only partially blocked. UVA radiation is not blocked at all and can burn the skin and eyes, as per the World Health Organization. Many adults report experiencing the following symptoms after prolonged UV exposure: eye irritation, difficulty seeing, wrinkles around the eyes, red or swollen eyes, sunburn of the eyelids and eye, and, in some cases, cancer on or around the eyes.

Since UV rays are always present, 20Twenty Eyecare encourages everyone to wear UV-protective eyewear whenever they’re outdoors during daylight hours, no matter the season or weather. Adults and children should have a comprehensive annual eye exam, as an eye care provider can recommend UV-protective eyewear tailored to an individual’s vision and lifestyle needs.

One of the best and easiest ways to take care of your new glasses is to stop by and visit one of our opticians. They will examine how your frames fit and make any necessary adjustments. They will also answer any questions you have. This service is complimentary for clients and helps keep your glasses functioning at their best.

When cleaning your glasses, only use cleaning cloths specifically designed for eyeglasses. Do not use paper wipes to clean your glasses. When you pick up your new glasses, you will receive a cleaning cloth and a bottle of lens cleaner. We are always happy to replace clothes and fill up your lens cleaner at no charge to help you prevent lens scratches.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with expertise in medical and surgical eye problems. They also perform operations on the eyes and comprehensive eye exams.

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry with expertise in medical eye and vision health.  They are trained to diagnose and treat eye disease, prescribe and fit lenses, perform comprehensive eye examinations, and evaluate the binocular vision system.  Optometrists do not do surgery.

An optician is a specialized practitioner. They design, fit, and dispense lenses for vision correction. Opticians provide ophthalmic solutions to help correct a patient’s eyesight. This may include prescriptions, eyeglass frames, and lens technology.

Eyewear is available with specialized lenses that reduce digital eye strain. 20Twenty Eyecare recommends individuals and their child(ren) visit an eyecare provider to discuss their digital habits and available eyewear solutions.

There are also simple changes you can make to your daily digital device use to relieve some symptoms of digital eye strain. This may include the following:

• Reduce overhead lighting to reduce screen glare.
• Position yourself at an arm’s length distance from the screen.
• Increase text size on devices to better define content on the screen.
• Continuously take breaks from looking at digital screens.
• Focus on something in the distance to relax the eyes, commonly known as the 20-20-20 rule.

Reading glasses and sun reading glasses, also called readers, are ready-to-wear glasses with a lens power, magnification, or strength, to aid with up-close reading. The magnification, or strength, typically ranges from +1 to +4. They are a great option for those who don’t mind slipping on a different pair of glasses for up-close viewing or those who only require one prescription.

Similarly, readers for outdoor use are available, offering protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Both are available “over-the-counter” without a prescription or Rx from your eyecare provider.

On the contrary, prescription glasses are only available with an individualized lens prescription or Rx. No matter the state of your eye health, make sure to visit your eye care provider to ensure you’re getting the right eyewear for your needs.

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the lens in your eye gradually becomes less flexible. This means your eyes see as clearly at the same distances as they did when you were younger. Presbyopia usually begins around age 40, and most people notice symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.

Those who are farsighted may need to order glasses to see at the levels they are comfortable with. Near-sighted individuals may need to remove their glasses to read close-up or opt for multifocal lenses. There are a variety of options to assist with presbyopia, and our eye doctors are happy to talk with you more about them.

Regardless of your age or physical health, a regular eye exam is important to detect eye problems in their early stages. Even if you have 20/20 vision, an eye exam can help measure general health. The eyes are the only body part in which you can see arteries and veins without surgery.

Through an eye exam, doctors can detect conditions, including signs of stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. Eye exams can also determine whether a person with age-related eye diseases is experiencing low vision.

Yes! You can order any Alcon or Bausch and Lomb brand contact lens directly from our website under “Order Contacts”. For glasses, you can shop at our online store. Frames can be bought directly from our website. We offer a one year warranty on all custom eyewear.

For other contact lens brands, please call us at 406.522.8888, and we will place your order.

Please note that a 50% deposit is required at the time of ordering your glasses.

Contact lens orders must be paid in full at the time of ordering.

One of the basic measurements is the Snellen chart for 20/20 vision. This term denotes normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet.

With 20/20 vision, individuals can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. Most individuals should see a low-vision specialist when vision is 20/70 or worse. With 20/70 vision, an individual must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 70 feet.

Any vision loss interfering with one’s visual needs mandates a visit to an eye care provider and a request for help.

If your pupils are dilated during an eye exam, your eyes are often light-sensitive for an hour or more after dilation. We want to make sure you feel comfortable driving before leaving our office. If you are concerned about driving, we recommend making alternative transportation arrangements or bringing a friend to your appointment. You are welcome to wait in our reception area for as long as needed.

As InfantSEE® providers, we can examine the eyes of children as young as 6 months of age.  If there are no concerns at this first exam, we recommend another visit at ages 3 and 5, and then every year once a child is school-age.

During your child’s exam, we will check the health of the muscles that control eye movement, along with a comprehensive eye health examination.  We will also check for a prescription and prescribe glasses if needed.

For a long time, sleeping in contact was considered taboo. Now, advances in contact lens design have made lenses more breathable that are FDA-approved for overnight wear. Whenever possible, we recommend avoiding sleeping in contact lenses, since it increases the risk of infection and other eye complications.

Speak to your eye doctor about your specific needs, and we’ll match you with the contact lens options that are best for you.