Family Eye Care & Optical Services in Ravalli County
Bitterroot Valley Eye Associates offers exceptional, reliable, and convenient
family eye care and optical services with home town caring! The team is
proud to offer years of experience, a friendly atmosphere and the only
full-time ophthalmologist in Ravalli County! Dr. Mark Calderwood is a
board certified Ophthalmologist who keeps up with the latest medical research
to offer patients the most up-to-date and least invasive treatments possible.
Services offered at
Bitterroot Valley Eye Associates include:
- Complete Eye Examinations
- Diabetic Examinations
- Treatments
- Contact Lenses
- Laser Surgery
- Cataract Surgery
- Glaucoma Screenings
- Optical Goods and Retail
Cataract Surgery: What to Expect
More than half of Americans in their senior years have been diagnosed with
cataracts. Cataracts are an eye condition that cause the lens of your
eye to cloud and blur vision. This condition is very different from nearsightedness
or farsightedness, and cannot be treated with glasses, contacts, or LASIK
surgery. Most people develop cataracts after age 80.
In cataract surgery, your eye’s natural, damaged lens is replaced
with an artificial one. Due in part to the prevalence of cataracts, cataract
surgery has undergone rapid advancements in recent years. The operation
is extremely safe and the success rates are higher than ever. The operation
usually takes less than an hour and most patients will feel very little
pain, if any.
Stages of cataract surgery:
- The eye is numbed with an anesthetic. Only the eye is sedated, you will
remain conscious through the procedure.
- A small, painless incision is made in the eye.
- A special tool is used to break up the damaged lens and suction it out
of the eye.
- An artificial lens is inserted in the eye.
- Stiches may be required.
Many patients are anxious at the idea of someone operating on their eye,
but any medical professional will assure you that this is an easy process
that should not cause discomfort. Our team will be happy to answer any
of your questions to put you more at ease.
Bitterroot Valley Eye Associations is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through
Friday. We are located at 300 North 10th Street, Suite A in Hamilton. Contact us at (406) 363-5434.