For many Michiganders, contact lenses are a way of life. They offer freedom from glasses, a wider field of view, and a boost to confidence. But did you know that if you live in the Great Lakes State, you’re legally required to get an eye exam for your contacts every year? It’s not just a bureaucratic hoop to jump through – it’s a crucial step to protect your precious vision.

Here’s why yearly contact lens exams are non-negotiable for Michigan residents:

1. It’s the law, and for good reason: Michigan’s Contact Lens Fitters Law prioritizes your eye health. By requiring annual exams, it ensures that your contacts are properly fitted, your prescription is up-to-date, and any potential problems are caught early. This proactive approach can prevent serious complications like corneal ulcers, infections, and even vision loss.

2. Your eyes change, even if you don’t notice: Our vision can subtly shift over time, even without any obvious symptoms. An annual exam will detect these changes and ensure your prescription stays accurate, giving you the sharpest possible vision and minimizing eye strain.

3. It’s not just about vision: Contact lens exams are about more than just checking your prescription. They’re a comprehensive eye health assessment. Your eye doctor will look for signs of underlying conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, which can often go unnoticed in their early stages. Early detection and intervention can make a world of difference in preserving your sight.

4. Contact lenses are medical devices: They’re not just fashion accessories. They’re medical devices that come into direct contact with your delicate cornea. Regular checkups ensure they’re not causing irritation, inflammation, or oxygen deprivation, all of which can lead to significant eye damage.

5. Peace of mind, priceless: Knowing your eyes are healthy and your contacts are a perfect fit is an unbeatable feeling. Regular exams give you the confidence to wear your lenses worry-free, whether you’re hitting the slopes, enjoying a summer festival, or simply going about your day.

Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable. By making yearly contact lens exams a priority, you’re investing in your long-term vision health and overall well-being. So contact your local optometrist or ophthalmologist today and schedule your appointment. Your future self will thank you!

Let’s keep Michigan’s eyes healthy and happy, one contact lens exam at a time!

Author Adam Scarbrough Adam is a Traverse City native. He is the Optical/Marketing Manager at Scarbrough Family Eyecare. Adam is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he studied entrepreneurship, professional sales, and marketing.

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