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Quick Answer: Children as young as 8 years old can successfully wear contact lenses when they demonstrate proper maturity, hygiene habits, and responsibility. Age matters less than readiness—some 10-year-olds excel with contacts, while some teenagers aren’t ready. This guide helps you determine if your child is prepared for this important step in vision care. If your child has been asking about ditching their glasses for contact lenses, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves wondering whether their child is ready to make this important transition in vision care. At Poudre Valley Eyecare, we’ve been partnering with Fort Collins families for […]

Bottom Line: Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome are the five most common eye diseases affecting seniors over 60. Most develop silently without early symptoms, making annual comprehensive eye exams essential for early detection and preventing vision loss. Understanding Your Risk: What Every Senior Should Know As we age, our eyes become more vulnerable to serious conditions that can affect independence and quality of life. Nearly one in three adults over 65 experiences some form of vision-impairing eye disease. The five most common eye diseases affecting seniors—age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry […]

The Hidden Truth About “Perfect” Vision You read the bottom line on the eye chart without hesitation. Your vision seems crystal clear. You might think, “Why would I need an annual eye exam if I can see perfectly fine?” Here’s what we’ve learned from over 25 years of serving Fort Collins families: Having 20/20 vision doesn’t guarantee your eyes are healthy. In fact, many serious eye conditions develop silently, showing no symptoms until significant—and sometimes irreversible—damage has occurred. Think of annual eye exams like routine maintenance for your car. You wouldn’t skip oil changes just because your engine sounds fine, […]

TL;DR: Myopia in children has reached epidemic proportions, affecting over one-third of children globally and projected to impact 740 million children by 2050. Early detection, outdoor activities, proper screen time management, and evidence-based treatments like low-dose atropine and specialty contact lenses can significantly slow progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health. Understanding the Myopia Epidemic in Children Myopia in children has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Recent comprehensive research reveals that childhood myopia now affects approximately 35.8% of children worldwide, representing a dramatic increase from 24.3% just three decades ago. This […]

If you’ve ever wondered why your glasses prescription includes different numbers and letters, or why your friend’s nearsighted glasses won’t help your astigmatism symptoms, you’re not alone. Understanding the key differences between glasses for astigmatism and glasses for myopia can help you make informed decisions about your eye care and ensure you’re getting the right prescription lenses for your specific vision needs. At Poudre Valley Eyecare, we’ve spent over 25 years helping Fort Collins families understand their vision prescriptions and find the perfect eyewear solutions. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these two common vision conditions and […]

Understanding the difference between acute and chronic diseases is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions and managing your family’s health effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness or managing a long-term condition, knowing these distinctions can help you seek appropriate care and develop better health strategies. Understanding Disease Classification: Acute vs Chronic Disease Healthcare professionals classify medical conditions based on their onset, duration, and treatment requirements. This classification system helps doctors determine the most appropriate care approach and helps patients understand what to expect from their condition. Bottom Line Up Front: Acute diseases develop suddenly and typically resolve within […]

TL;DR: Contact lenses correct myopia (nearsightedness) by helping light focus directly on the retina instead of in front of it, while specialized toric contact lenses correct astigmatism by accommodating the eye’s irregular corneal shape with different powers across the lens. When you have both myopia and astigmatism together, toric contact lenses can simultaneously correct both refractive errors in a single lens, providing clear vision at all distances. If you’re among the millions experiencing blurry vision from myopia, astigmatism, or both conditions together, you may be wondering how contact lenses can help restore clear sight. Modern contact lens technology has revolutionized […]

Bottom Line Up Front: If you’re experiencing blurry vision but aren’t sure whether you have astigmatism or myopia, the key difference is simple: myopia (nearsightedness) makes distant objects blurry while close objects stay clear, whereas astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances. Both refractive errors are highly treatable with glasses, contacts, or surgery, but proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced Fort Collins eye care professional. Understanding Astigmatism vs Myopia: A Complete Guide Vision problems affect millions of people, yet many don’t realize they could be seeing much better. At Poudre Valley Eyecare, Fort Collins’ most trusted eye care practice for over 25 years, we’ve […]

Bottom Line Up Front: Myopia (nearsightedness) makes distant objects blurry while close objects remain clear, affecting 42% of Americans as of 2025. Hyperopia (farsightedness) causes blurry near vision but clear distance vision, impacting approximately 8-10% of the US population. Both conditions stem from how your eye focuses light on the retina and can be effectively corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Understanding these differences helps you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment to protect your long-term eye health. If you’ve ever squinted at a highway sign while driving or held a menu at arm’s length to read it clearly, […]

Bottom Line Up Front: If your child struggles with reading, experiences frequent headaches during close work, loses their place while reading, or has trouble with concentration and attention despite having “perfect” 20/20 vision, they may benefit from vision therapy. Research shows that 6.8% of children under 18 have a diagnosed eye and vision condition, with an additional 25% having undetected vision problems significant enough to affect school performance—many of these issues can’t be corrected with glasses alone. Quick Answer for Busy Parents: The most common signs your child needs vision therapy include losing place while reading, frequent headaches during homework, […]