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, […]

Quick Answer: Watch for persistent squinting, eye strain from screens, frequent headaches after visual tasks, declining grades, and poor sports coordination. These signs indicate your child may need an immediate comprehensive eye exam. Children often can’t express vision problems, making it essential for parents to recognize warning signs like squinting, digital eye strain symptoms, frequent headaches, poor school performance, and avoidance of reading activities. Early detection through comprehensive eye exams can prevent permanent vision problems and support your child’s academic success. As a parent, you want to give your child every advantage in life. Yet one crucial aspect of their […]

Bottom Line Up Front: This comprehensive frame fit guide shows you how to choose eyeglass frames that truly fit by understanding three key measurements (lens width, bridge size, and temple length), identifying your face shape, and ensuring proper alignment with your features. Well-fitting frames should sit comfortably without sliding, pinching, or causing pressure points while keeping your eyes centered in the lenses. Getting new glasses should be exciting, not frustrating. Yet many people struggle with frames that slide down their nose, pinch their temples, or simply don’t look right. The difference between glasses you love and glasses you tolerate comes […]

The bottom line: While many vision changes are a normal part of aging, cataracts produce distinct warning signs that require professional evaluation. Recognizing these key differences can help you seek timely treatment and protect your long-term eye health. You’ve noticed your vision isn’t quite what it used to be. Perhaps you’re holding your phone at arm’s length to read texts, or you need brighter lights for reading. It’s natural to wonder: “Is this just normal aging, or could it be cataracts?” This question concerns millions of Americans, especially those over 40 who are beginning to experience their first noticeable vision […]

At a Glance: Nearly one in four children experiences binocular vision problems that can profoundly impact their learning, reading, and academic success. While standard vision screenings focus on whether your child can see 20/20, binocular vision examines how effectively both eyes collaborate as a unified team. Through early detection and evidence-based vision therapy, success rates of 75-87% can be achieved in addressing these critical developmental issues. Understanding Binocular Vision: Beyond Perfect Sight When considering children’s vision health in Fort Collins, most parents naturally focus on visual clarity—can their child see the chalkboard or read without straining their eyes? However, binocular […]

Key Takeaway: School vision screenings detect only 40% of children’s vision problems. Fort Collins families require comprehensive eye examinations to safeguard their children’s academic success and identify serious ocular conditions in their earliest stages. Executive Summary: While school-based vision screenings serve as an initial assessment tool for basic refractive errors, comprehensive eye examinations provide thorough evaluations of ocular health, visual function, and neurological pathways. Fort Collins families should prioritize annual comprehensive eye examinations to optimize their children’s learning potential and ensure early detection of sight-threatening conditions. Understanding the Critical Distinction: Your Child’s Educational Future Depends on Clear Vision As Fort […]

At a Glance: Nearly 20 million Americans live with macular degeneration, including 18.3 million with early-stage and 1.49 million with advanced disease. As the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, this progressive eye condition requires prompt attention—but there’s hope. Fort Collins residents benefit from exceptional eye care, with experienced specialists offering cutting-edge treatments, comprehensive Medicare coverage, and the latest research-backed therapies right here in Northern Colorado. Understanding Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula—the central portion of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This progressive condition gradually impairs your ability to see fine details […]

Introduction If you’ve been to an eye doctor recently, you may have been offered retinal imaging for an additional cost of $25-60. Most eye care practices charge between $25 to $60 for this service, with the typical range being $35-50, and vision plans generally do not cover the cost of it. This leaves many patients wondering: what exactly is retinal imaging, and is it worth the extra expense? Bottom Line Up Front: Retinal imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool that creates detailed digital pictures of the back of your eye, helping detect serious eye diseases and systemic health conditions early—often […]