In addition to providing prescription eyeglasses and contacts, Billings Family Eye Care can help with a number of vision problems:
Astigmatism:
When there are differences in the curvature of the front of the eye, images do not focus correctly on the retina, the tissues that detect light and begin processing a vision signal. Having astigmatism means blur in the distance and up close. Astigmatism can be compounded with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). Low amounts of astigmatism may only be noticeable when looking at details. A correction with glasses or contact lenses can make a big difference in how the world looks and how much more effortless vision can be. Larger astigmatism correction can mean the difference between complete blur and crystal clear vision. Modern laser procedures can sometimes be a good option for people with astigmatism.
Myopia (nearsighted):
Experiencing clear vision up close and blur in the distance can be frustrating for things like driving and playing sports. Solutions like driving at a snail’s pace or trying not to hit the golf ball so far are not always practical. Depending on the severity of the issues, there are lots of ways to deal with this common problem. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are a great way to improve vision for nearsighted individuals. Laser procedures that change the shape of the focusing structures of the eye are often an option as well.
Hyperopia (farsighted):
Being farsighted means your eyes have to use the clear flexible lens behind the colored part of your eye to make a focus adjustment for distance images. That small system has to work even harder for near vision tasks. This can often result in a general sense of strain after prolonged visual activities or even problematic headaches and blurry vision at distance and at near. If the problem is extreme enough, young children can experience double vision or an eye turning inward that can throw a monkey wrench into the development of their vision system. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and, in some cases, laser surgery options can be all it takes to get back on track.
Presbyopia:
Many people with mild hyperopia have great vision in the distance and at near for years until the clear, flexible lens behind the iris, begins to stiffen as part of the normal aging process. Multifocal lenses are a great way to provide distance and near vision clarity without having to constantly remove and replace reading glasses. Nearsighted people can benefit from these lenses as well. New innovations in contact lens technology are sometimes an option to provide freedom from glasses while still allowing for distance and near vision. The professionals at Billings Family Eyecare can help you find the best solution for your particular needs as you navigate one of the most frustrating aspects of the passage of time.
Cataracts:
As light passes through the structures of the eye to the retina, it goes through a clear lens behind the iris to focus images properly on the retina. Natural changes to this lens over time make the lens hazy and result in blurry, foggy vision, diminished clarity in low light, the appearance of halos or starbursts around lights and other annoying vision changes. This haziness is referred to as cataracts. The location and type of cataract on the lens can impact vision in different ways. Often, cataracts develop slowly over time and eventually make it impossible to correct vision well with glasses. Surgery to remove the cloudy material and implant a new artificial lens in its place is a common procedure. Modern implants can often be used to reduce the need for full-time eyeglasses after surgery. Serious complications are rare and recovery is often not problematic. Billings Family Eyecare works with the best surgeons in the area to help get you the best result possible.
Glaucoma:
The optic nerve transmits the vision signal from the eye to the brain and is crucial to vision. High pressure from fluids within the eye can lead to damage of the optic nerve and disruption in the vision signal it carries. This damage usually occurs very slowly over time but can result in blindness if not managed well. A person will usually not notice any vision loss from glaucoma until it is so severe that little can be done to help. Part of a comprehensive eye exam will involve an evaluation of the optic nerve, the pressure within the eye, and other structural risk factors for glaucoma. Additional testing to measure the tissues affected by glaucoma and vision sensitivity loss may need to be done over time to determine if an individual has glaucoma and needs treatment. Glaucoma is typically controlled with eye drops that lower the pressure within the eye and slows the progressive loss of the optic nerve fibers. Surgery and laser treatments are sometimes utilized as well.
Macular degeneration:
The macula is the central part of the retina and has a higher density of light-sensitive cells than the rest of the retina resulting in the most sensitive area for distinct, clear central vision. A high amount of cellular activity occurs here as a result and over time, the waste buildup can no longer be removed by the body as efficiently. This damages the tissues and is known as macular degeneration. Damage to these sensitive parts of the eye mean loss of clarity of central vision leaving one to rely on peripheral vision to navigate day-to-day life. Research has identified vitamins that can help slow this process in people with moderate to severe macular degeneration and further research may help find ways to prevent the process. Macular degeneration can also stimulate new blood vessel growth that impacts vision even worse. This kind of macular degeneration can be treated by a retinal specialist to improve vision. The top risk factor for macular degeneration is advanced age. Other risk factors are smoking and genetic predisposition. The optometrists at Billings Family Eyecare evaluate the macula and utilize technology to determine the best course of action in dealing with macular degeneration.
Floaters:
Many people experience what seems like a spot or strand that appears to float in their vision and follow eye movements. These occur in the jelly material that fills most of the eyeball and are usually harmless. Anyone experiencing sudden increase in these floaters, new large floaters that block vision, or new floaters accompanied with flashes of light should seek help as soon as possible as these changes may indicate a retinal detachment that requires surgery to prevent vision loss.