Routine Eye Exams
Our full range of vision care services includes examinations of children and adults, contact lens fitting of all types, and co-management of laser and cataract surgery.
Glaucoma Treatment & Diagnosis
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and affects approximately 2% of the population over age 40.
Diabetic Treatment
Focus on Your Numbers. High blood glucose levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in your retina, and affect the shape of your eye’s lens, temporarily causing blurry vision, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Macular Degeneration & Cataract
1 in 5 people over the age of 65 develop (MD) in their lifetime, & 99% of cataract surgeries are successful.
Big Sky Eye Physicians is a full-service eye and vision care provider and will accept both eye emergencies as well as scheduled appointments. Patients throughout the Butte and Silver Bow area come to Big Sky Eye Physicians because they know they will receive personal attention and experienced care for all of their vision needs.
Dr. Tschetter and his team are dedicated to keeping their patients comfortable and well-informed at all times. We will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of our patient’s questions. We always accept new patients and most major medical insurance and vision plans.
Among the most experienced Ophthalmologists in the region, our primary goal is achieving and maintaining an excellent vision for all of our patients.
Payments Accepted
Insurance, Medicare, & Medicaid
OUR ANSWERS
Dr. Tschetter wants to share his insights on good vision care. Below are the eight things he feels you should know:
1. Don’t ignore symptoms, even if they appear and disappear quickly
If you lose vision in one eye—even for just a few moments—call your eye doctor right away. “This could indicate a transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke,” says Dr. Tschetter. Other signs of trouble that warrant immediate attention include flashing lights, floaters, and double vision. These are signs of serious problems that could require fast treatment.
2. 20/20? Your eyes still may not be perfect
You have had your vision tested and were told you have 20/20. That’s great, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. There are other important vision skills, including peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability, and color vision, which contribute to your overall visual ability. Dr. Tschetter believes it is very important to have routine eye exams since “Some potentially blinding eye diseases, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, can take years to develop. During this time, they are possibly causing damage to parts of the inner eye, but the central vision can remain unaffected.
3. When you come if for routine testing, be prepared to have your eyes dilated
During a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Tschetter may put drops in your eyes to make your pupils bigger. This way, he can see into the back of your eye and spot vision problems early, before they cause symptoms. Your vision may be blurry or sensitive to light for a few hours afterward. “A patient may find it better to have someone with them to drive,” Dr. Tschetter says.
3. When you come if for routine testing, be prepared to have your eyes dilated
During a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Tschetter may put drops in your eyes to make your pupils bigger. This way, he can see into the back of your eye and spot vision problems early, before they cause symptoms. Your vision may be blurry or sensitive to light for a few hours afterward. “A patient may find it better to have someone with them to drive,” Dr. Tschetter says.
4. Understand your insurance before you arrive
Vision benefits are often provided by a different company than your main medical coverage. Vision exams, eye treatments, and products like glasses and contacts may all be billed differently. “It can be difficult for patients and even our staff sometimes to understand the hundreds of plans out there,” says Dr. Tschetter. “At least review your plan and have a small idea of what’s going on with your insurance to eliminate confusion.”
5. Your overall health is linked to your eye health
Please do not keep your health history a secret from your care providers. “Patients receiving an eye exam often downplay conditions that could point to serious eye diseases,” Dr. Tschetter says. “Not sharing health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or mental illness, can be detrimental to your vision.” Believe it or not, digestive, metabolic, inflammatory, joint, muscular, and breathing disorders almost all have consequences for your eyes and should be discussed.
6. Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory
The sun’s UV rays harm your eyes just as they damage your skin, increasing your risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Choose a pair of shades that says it blocks 99% or more of these ultraviolet rays. Wear them any time you’re outdoors, especially during the summer, while at the beach, and when participating in winter sports. Quality sunglasses are as important as sunscreen, and with all of the styles and features available now there is no reason not to protect your eyes.”
7. You don’t have to wait for your cataracts to get worse
Contrary to popular belief, your cataracts don’t have to have progressed to a certain stage or be “ready” before removal. “Once your vision is affected, it’s time to talk to an eye surgeon to determine whether cataract surgery is the right solution for you,” Dr. Tschetter says. In some cases, your doctor can implant a new lens that corrects your vision as well as clears your cataract. This makes it possible that you might not need glasses at all afterward.
8. Ill-fitting, old, or poorly cleaned contacts can cause serious problems to your eye health
It is very easy to prevent eye infections by disinfecting lenses according to your eye doctor’s instructions. Don’t forget to wash the case; bacteria often thrive there, too. Have the fit of your lenses evaluated on a regular basis. If you don’t, they could scratch your eye or cause new blood vessels to grow into your cornea, clouding your vision.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PMFriday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PMSaturday & Sunday: Closed
Phone: (406) 723-4004
Fax: (406) 782-4567