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Our Frequently Asked Questions
Will my appointment be different now?
We’re still the same, friendly professionals you know and can count on. However, we have incorporated a few small changes to provide the best possible patient experience.
- All doctors and care staff will be wearing masks. It is up to you whether you choose to wear a mask or not.
- We ask that only the patient scheduled for an appointment visit our office. Please do not bring extra people with you unless necessary.
What happens during an eye exam?
During an eye exam, your doctor will not only determine if you need a prescription for eyeglasses, but they will check your eyes for eye diseases. They will also assess how well your eyes work together and check your eyes as indicators of your overall health.
What is digital eye strain and what are common symptoms?
Digital eye strain is the discomfort felt after looking at a digital screen for over two hours at a time. The Vision Council reports that symptoms of digital eye strain may include eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, etc.
What are ultraviolet (UV) rays and what damage can they cause to the eyes?
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: irritation in the eye, trouble 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 eyecare provider can make recommendations regarding UV-protective eyewear tailored to an individual’s vision and lifestyle needs.
What’s the best way to take care of new glasses?
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 adjustments as needed. 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 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.
I’m worried about getting sick. Is it safe to visit your office?
Your health is our top priority. To ensure the safety of our staff and our community, we have made several changes to our delivery of care. These methods aligned with CDC’s latest directive recommendations.
- We will maintain physical distancing protocols whenever possible.
- We will continue increased handwashing and sanitizing efforts. This includes cleaning frames and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician?
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, and 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.
What are my options for easing symptoms of digital eye strain?
Eyewear is available with specialized lenses featuring digital eye strain-reducing capabilities. 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 in your daily digital device usage to relieve some of the 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.
What is the difference between reading glasses and prescription glasses?
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 power 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 eyecare provider to ensure you’re getting the right eyewear for your needs.
What is presbyopia?
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 could when you were younger. Presbyopia begins usually around age 40, and most people notice symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Those who are far-sighted may need to order glasses to see to the levels they are comfortable with. Near-sighted individuals may need to remove their glasses to read words close-up or opt to get multi-focal lenses. There are a variety of options to assist with Presbyopia, and our eye doctors are happy to talk with you more about them.
Why are regular eye exams important?
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 where you can view 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 also suffering from low vision.
Can I order glasses and contact lenses online?
Yes! You can order any Alcon brand contact lens directly from our website under “under contacts”. For glasses, you can shop at our online store. Frames can be bought directly from our website. For lenses and non-Alcon branded contacts please call us at 406.522.8888 and we will get your products ordered.
What does an eye chart measure?
One of the basic measurements is the Snellen chart for 20/20 vision. This is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet.
With 20/20 vision, individuals can see at 20 feet clearly what should be seen normally at that distance. Most individuals ought to visit a low-vision specialist when vision reaches 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 eyecare provider and a request for help.
Can I drive after having my eyes dilated?
If your pupils are dilated during an eye exam, 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 other arrangements for transportation or bringing a friend to your appointment. You are welcome to wait in our reception area for as long as needed.
When should I take my child in for an eye exam?
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, then we recommend another visit at age 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 and move the eyes, along with a comprehensive eye health examination. We will also check for a glasses prescription and prescribe glasses if they are needed.
Can I sleep in my contacts?
For a long time, sleeping in contacts was considered taboo. Now, advances in contact design have made more “breathable” lenses that are FDA approved for overnight wear. Whenever possible, we recommend avoiding sleeping in contacts, 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.