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About: Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Dr. Christopher Bettner has been serving the optometric needs of Colorado Springs since 1995. He is trained in ocular pathology with an emphasis in the treatment and management of ocular disease, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and pre- and post-operative care.

Posts by Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD:

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The information you need, when you need it. 

Read our blog for the latest eye care and eyewear news.

What Does Plano Mean on an Eyeglass Prescription?

Ever looked at your eyeglass prescription after an eye exam and wondered what all those terms and numbers mean? One common term that often raises questions is “Plano.” If you’ve seen “Plano” or “PL” you may wonder what it means for your prescription.  Plano means that one or both of the lenses in your glasses […]

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May 21, 2025
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

How Can I Tell if My Infant Has Vision Problems?

There are many situations and conditions that can cause poor vision for kids. As a parent, it’s natural to be worried—but knowing what to look for can be a great way to gain peace of mind. Identifying those problems as early as possible can help you get support for your child’s vision development and eye […]

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February 25, 2025
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

How Do You Fix Weak Eye Muscles?

Weak eye muscles can lead to discomfort, difficulty focusing, and even headaches. Whether you’ve noticed your vision blurring after working long hours at your computer or you’re struggling with tasks like reading or driving, understanding and addressing weak eye muscles can make a significant difference in your daily life.  Some exercises you can do to […]

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January 20, 2025
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Common Risk Factors and Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease, or simply dry eye, is a common eye surface condition that can cause discomfort and blurred vision.  Dry eyes are caused by inadequate lubrication for your eyes because of factors like: A comprehensive eye exam can help your eye doctor pinpoint the underlying cause for effective and targeted treatment […]

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December 30, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

What Causes Bad Eyesight?

Vision is one of the ways we can experience our surroundings, which is why poor eyesight can be frustrating. Refractive errors and eye conditions are the most common reasons we see poor vision and are closely linked to genetics and environmental factors.  Other causes of worsening vision include eye injuries, age-related changes, certain medications, and […]

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November 28, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

How Often Should You Get New Glasses?

The world is a tapestry of colors, and all of us deserve to see it clearly. Whether we’re navigating bustling city streets or curling up with a good book, having the right pair of glasses is essential for comfort and style. But how often do we need to get new glasses? Many optometrists recommend replacing […]

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October 30, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

What Are Acetate Glasses?

If you’re on the hunt for eyewear that combines style, durability, and comfort, then acetate eyeglasses could be the perfect choice for you. The flexibility of acetate means you can get sunglasses with acetate frames, too! Acetate is a type of plastic material often used in eyeglass frames. Its popularity has surged in recent years, […]

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September 4, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can Myopia Be Reversed?

If you or your child is experiencing myopia, you’re not alone. Many parents share concerns about their child’s vision, especially if they notice them squinting to see distant objects or straining to read from afar. You might find yourself wondering if this is just a phase, or something more significant.  Unfortunately, there is currently no […]

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September 4, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Is Keratoconus Genetic?

Keratoconus is an eye disease affecting the eye’s cornea and, ultimately, vision. Keratoconus can be partly genetic and partly epigenetic, meaning that it’s hereditary, though environmental and behavioral factors also play a role. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help monitor eye health, detect early signs of vision problems, and help monitor vision changes so they […]

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September 4, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

When Do Kids Need Glasses?

Vision is a crucial part of a child’s development. From learning to read to playing sports, clear eyesight plays a vital role in your child’s growth and success. But how do you know if your child needs glasses? A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to know your child needs glasses. Regular eye exams […]

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July 9, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can Plastic Glasses Frames Cause Redness on Your Face?

For those of us reliant on eyeglasses for clear vision, the choice of frame material might be dictated more by fashion or budget than by how it interacts with our skin. However, an increasing number of lens wearers are discovering that their choice in frames, particularly plastic ones, can lead to unexpected skin irritation such […]

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May 24, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Does Retinal Imaging Replace Dilation?

In the realm of eye care, the debate about whether retinal imaging or dilation is the more effective method for examining the retina has been ongoing.  Digital retinal imaging is a great option for people who aren’t fans of eyedrops. And while digital retinal imaging is a bit more costly than traditional methods, it’s a […]

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March 22, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Is Vision Therapy Permanent?

Vision therapy is a noninvasive, personalized program that addresses various visual problems, such as strabismus (crossed or turned eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and convergence insufficiency (eye coordination issues).  Once you’ve completed a vision therapy program, which typically takes 6 to 8 months, depending on your condition, you won’t need to repeat it because the changes […]

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February 13, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?

Are you tired of having to switch between reading and distance glasses constantly? Multifocal contact lenses may be the solution for you. These specialized lenses offer the convenience of both near and far vision correction in one pair, eliminating the need for multiple pairs. But how exactly do these multifocal contact lenses work?  They work […]

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January 16, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness?

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that many people experience at some point. It’s caused by a problem with your tears–either you don’t produce enough tears or the ones you do produce are of poor quality. This results in your eyes not getting enough lubrication, leading to discomfort and sometimes, blurry vision. Can […]

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December 19, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can Vision Therapy Improve Vision?

Vision problems can significantly impact daily life. Difficulties with eye coordination and focusing make reading and comprehending written material challenging, leading to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Problems with depth perception and spatial awareness hinder safe navigation and participation in sports. Untreated vision issues affect children’s learning and academic performance, impairing their ability to write, […]

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November 16, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Does Vision Therapy Work?

Vision problems can significantly impact our lives, leading to difficulties in school, at work, and in our everyday activities—but not all vision problems have the same solution. Vision therapy is one solution for visual challenges that involves a noninvasive, individualized program of exercises and activities intended to strengthen a person’s visual skills. Vision therapy is […]

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October 6, 2023
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Is There an Alternative to Glasses & Contacts?

Many people rely on glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision and thus experience the world with clarity. However, for some, the discomfort, maintenance, or aesthetic concerns associated with these traditional vision correction methods may lead them to search for alternatives.  Advances in technology and medical research have introduced other options that can offer […]

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August 23, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can You Wear Contacts if You Have Glaucoma?

Contact lenses can be a great option if you don’t want to wear glasses. You may have heard that dry eye can prevent you from wearing contacts, so it’s reasonable to wonder if another eye disease like glaucoma could pose the same difficulties.  Fortunately, you can often wear contact lenses with glaucoma. Glaucoma isn’t a […]

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August 3, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

How Long Does Eye Strain Last?

The use of technology is in an upwards trend in our modern world—and so is digital eye strain. With many Americans spending more than 2 hours per day on digital devices, many people are developing uncomfortable and irritating eye strain symptoms. While technology isn’t the only cause of eye strain, it is a contributing factor […]

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July 7, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Are My Glasses Too Strong? 5 Ways to Tell

Wearing glasses can be a life-changing way to address your vision concerns. With how essential your vision is to your day-to-day life, allowing you to see the world with perfect clarity and precision, utilizing any form of vision protection can make your life much easier. However, what happens if your glasses are too strong? How […]

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June 9, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?

While dry eyes and eye allergies were once thought of as separate conditions, data has shown there is a seasonal link between allergies and dry eyes.  Researchers have found 3 interesting details linking seasonal allergies and dry eyes: Both pollen levels and dry eye cases reach a yearly peak in April Seasonal spikes of dry […]

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May 18, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Is Blepharitis Contagious?

Blepharitis is a common eye condition caused by inflammation in your eyelids. The condition can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, but fortunately, it is not contagious. Blepharitis is most commonly caused by a buildup of bacteria at the base of your eyelashes and cannot be spread from person to person.  While blepharitis typically does not cause […]

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May 8, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Are there Prescription Glasses for Dry Eyes?

Dry eye disease can cause a burning or gritty sensation in the eyes, among other symptoms. There are many different causes of dry eye, but fortunately, there are also many options available for dry eye therapy. One of these options is getting prescription glasses with special qualities that can help address the causes of dry […]

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May 8, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Are Glasses or Contacts Better for Myopia?

Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are two correction methods for myopia, but neither is really better than the other. Rather, each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, contact lenses could make a good option for someone with a job requiring safety eyewear. Alternatively, eyeglasses will likely be the better choice for someone with chronically […]

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March 2, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Does everyone get cataracts?

If you’ve recently noticed your vision becoming cloudier or more sensitive to bright lights, you may have developed cataracts. Cataracts are something that almost everyone will deal with at some point in their life. Cataracts are a cloudy buildup in your eye that can obscure your vision, making it more difficult to see things clearly, […]

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February 3, 2023
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Do You Need an Eye Exam to Get Contacts?

Your comprehensive eye exam is often the first touchpoint we have to gain insights into your eye health and make recommendations to ensure you have clear and comfortable vision. During your exam, we can make recommendations based on your unique personalized eye care needs. An eye exam is crucial to evaluating your fit for contact […]

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December 23, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

What Can Optometrists Do for Dry Eye Treatments?

If your eyes are constantly irritated and you feel like something is stuck inside them no matter how much you rub, you may have dry eye disease. Although dry eye can be painful, it’s also manageable if you understand what’s causing your dry eye. If left untreated, dry eye can reduce your quality of life, […]

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December 22, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

What Are The Different Types of Glasses Lenses?

Choosing the frame for your glasses is important, but selecting the right lenses is crucial. Eyeglasses have long been a popular choice for vision correction, even with the availability of alternatives such as contact lenses or eye surgery. For many individuals, eyeglasses remain the preferred option due to their ease of use, convenience, and versatility […]

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November 3, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can You Wear Contact Lenses to an Eye Exam?

Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to glasses. A frequently overlooked fact is that not all patients use contact lenses as their primary means of vision correction. Each patient is unique, with some only wearing contact lenses on weekends, special occasions, or for sports. That is the allure of contact lens wear: the freedom it […]

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September 12, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct the Need for Reading Glasses?

The advancements in vision care have shown themselves in many ways, from specialty lenses for your glasses to specialized contact lenses for your unique visual needs. Laser eye surgery is another option that can help clear up your vision and addresses refractive errors. Laser eye surgery can serve several functions, including correcting refractive errors.  Let’s […]

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September 12, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

When Should Children Have Their First Eye Exam?

Children’s Eye Exams A child’s first anything can be an exciting event. First tooth, first haircut, first steps—but what about their first eye exam? Many childhood milestones can be achieved at the child’s pace—but health checkups usually have recommended timelines to help ensure the child’s success. A child’s first comprehensive eye exam is more than […]

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August 4, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

How Often Should You Change Your Prescription Glasses?

Your glasses may be providing you with clear vision right now, but when should you be visiting your optometrist for a new prescription?  Continue reading to learn more about your glasses prescription, including how often you should change it.  Understanding Your Eyeglass Prescription Approximately 3 out of 4 Americans need corrective lenses, requiring them to […]

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June 2, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Does Wearing Old Prescription Glasses Damage Your Eyesight?

You may have received your first eyeglasses prescription when you were a kid or as recently as a few years ago. Your optometrist will have tested your eyes to fully understand your vision needs and how they can help you manage them. If it’s been a few years since your last visit, you may be […]

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April 20, 2022
Dr. Christopher Bettner, OD

Our Address

Bettner Vision is conveniently located in the Marketplace at Briargate, on the corner of North Union Boulevard and Family Place. You can find us beside Sushi Rakkyo and the T-Mobile store.

  • 9205 N Union Blvd. #110
  • Colorado Springs, CO 80920

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Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday : 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday : 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday : 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: By Appointment
  • Sunday: Closed
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  • 9205 N Union Blvd. #110
  • Colorado Springs, CO 80920
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