Contact Lenses in Grand Rapids, MI: What You Need to Know

Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the surface of your eye to correct vision problems such as blurred vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Many people in Grand Rapids choose contacts as an alternative or complement to glasses for clearer vision and greater convenience in our changing Michigan seasons.

In Grand Rapids, contact lenses are commonly prescribed and fitted by eye care professionals at practices affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and independent optometry clinics throughout Kent County.

Types of Contact Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are made from a very flexible, water-absorbing material that conforms to the shape of your eye. They are the most commonly used lenses in Grand Rapids and are available as:

  • Daily disposables – worn for one day, then thrown away
  • Two-week disposables – worn daily and replaced every 2 weeks
  • Monthly disposables – worn daily and replaced every month
  • Extended wear lenses – some types can be worn up to 30 days without removal, but this is not safe or appropriate for everyone and must be approved by your optometrist or ophthalmologist

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP or “Hard”) Lenses

Hard lenses are made from rigid gas-permeable plastic and usually cover only part of the cornea. They:

  • Often provide very sharp vision, especially for certain types of astigmatism
  • Are more durable than soft lenses
  • Require an adaptation period to get used to the feel on your eyes

Your Grand Rapids eye care professional will help you decide which type is best for your eyes, lifestyle, and local environmental factors like dry indoor air during Michigan winters.

Why People in Grand Rapids Choose Contact Lenses

People wear contact lenses for many reasons, including:

  • Better vision in some cases – certain conditions may be corrected more precisely with contacts than with glasses
  • Wider field of view – no spectacle frames blocking side vision
  • No fogging – helpful when going from cold Michigan winter air into warm indoors, or when wearing masks
  • Not affected by rain or snow – useful in West Michigan’s changing weather
  • Active lifestyle – more convenient than glasses for sports and outdoor activities along the Grand River, at local gyms, or on the trails

Sports players and people involved in vigorous activities, including water sports on nearby lakes or recreational hockey, often prefer contact lenses to avoid the risk of glasses breaking or slipping.

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate for Contacts

Contact lenses are not suitable for everyone. You may have limitations or need extra care if:

  • You live or work in a dusty or dirty environment (e.g., certain manufacturing or construction jobs common in the Grand Rapids area)
  • Your eyes are drier than normal, which can be worse in heated indoor air during Michigan winters
  • You suffer from allergies, including seasonal allergies common in West Michigan
  • You have certain medical conditions such as arthritis (making lens handling difficult) or diabetes (which can affect eye health)
  • You work with chemicals or fumes that may irritate your eyes

Always discuss your work, hobbies, and health history with your Grand Rapids optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if contact lenses are safe and appropriate for you.

Cosmetic and Costume Contact Lenses

Some people like to wear contact lenses purely for appearance, such as:

  • Plano lenses (no vision correction)
  • Colored lenses to change eye color
  • Costume or novelty lenses for events, theater, or Halloween

In Michigan, these lenses are still considered medical devices. Even if they do not correct vision, they must be:

  • Properly fitted by an experienced eye care professional
  • Purchased from a reputable source with a prescription

Wearing costume lenses bought online or from a novelty shop without a proper fitting can lead to serious eye infections and permanent damage.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in Grand Rapids

Whether you wear contact lenses part-time or every day, regular annual eye exams are essential. Local providers in Grand Rapids—such as Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids eye clinics, as well as independent optometrists—can:

  • Monitor changes in your eye health
  • Update your contact lens and glasses prescription
  • Check for complications like dry eye, corneal inflammation, or early signs of eye disease
  • Review your lens care routine and make sure it’s safe and effective

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also help connect you to local vision care providers if you need assistance.

How to Insert Contact Lenses Safely

Proper insertion is vital to protect your eyes. General steps include:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly
    • Use soap and water
    • Rinse well
    • Dry your hands completely with a lint-free towel
  2. Tip the lens from its storage case into your cupped palm
  3. Check the lens for damage or debris
    • Look for rips, tears, or any grit
    • Do not use a damaged lens
  4. Place the lens on your fingertip, cup-side up
    • The edges should curve smoothly upward, not flare outward
  5. Hold your eyelid open
    • Use one hand to gently hold your upper lid
    • Use a finger from the other hand to pull down your lower lid
  6. Place the lens on your eye
    • Gently place it on the white of your eye or directly on the cornea (hard lenses are usually placed directly on the cornea)
  7. Release your eyelids
    • Slowly let go, look down, and blink several times
    • The lens should center itself over your cornea

If you are inserting lenses over a sink, put the drain plug in first to avoid losing a lens if it falls.

Contact Lens Care and Cleaning

Good hygiene is essential to prevent eye infections, which can be serious and sight-threatening.

General Cleaning Guidelines

  • Always follow your eye care provider’s instructions for your specific lens type
  • Use only cleaning and disinfecting solutions recommended for your particular lenses
  • Wash, rinse, and dry your hands before handling lenses
  • Clean and disinfect lenses after each use, unless you are using daily disposables (which are thrown away after one use)

Never Use These on Your Lenses

Do not clean or store your lenses in:

  • Tap water (including Grand Rapids city water)
  • Bottled water or distilled water
  • Saliva
  • Soap or detergent
  • Household disinfectants or cleaners
  • Homemade saline solutions

Using the wrong solution can:

  • Damage the lens
  • Increase the risk of infection
  • Cause permanent damage to your eyesight

Wearing Schedule and Replacement

To protect your eyes:

  • Never wear your lenses longer than recommended by your optometrist or ophthalmologist
  • Replace lenses according to the schedule (daily, 2-week, monthly, or as directed)
  • Do not try to “stretch” lenses beyond their intended use to save money—this can lead to infections and more costly treatment later
  • Remove your lenses immediately if they are uncomfortable, painful, or if your vision becomes blurry

In Grand Rapids, if you experience problems, you can seek prompt care from local eye clinics associated with Spectrum Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or independent ophthalmology practices.

Sleeping, Swimming, and Sports with Contact Lenses

Sleeping in Contact Lenses

  • Never sleep in your contact lenses unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed a lens approved for overnight or extended wear
  • Sleeping in the wrong type of lens can cut off oxygen to your cornea, causing:
    • Severe inflammation
    • Pain
    • Increased risk of infection
    • Possible permanent vision loss

Swimming and Water Exposure

  • Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist before swimming with contact lenses in pools, Lake Michigan, inland lakes, or at local water parks
  • Water can introduce bacteria and parasites that may cause serious eye infections
  • If you must wear lenses while swimming, your provider may recommend:
    • Tight-fitting swim goggles
    • Removing and disinfecting lenses immediately afterward
    • Considering daily disposable lenses for occasional water activities

Sports and Physical Activity

  • Many Grand Rapids residents find contacts convenient for:
    • Basketball, soccer, and hockey
    • Running or biking on local trails
    • Gym workouts
  • Talk with your eye doctor about protective eyewear if there is a risk of eye injury.

Handling Lenses Safely

Contact lenses are small, delicate, and easy to damage. To keep them safe:

  • Avoid using fingernails when picking up or removing lenses—use the pads of your fingers
  • Always make sure your lens is right-side out
    • If the edges flare outward, it is likely inside out
  • Insert the right lens first every time so you do not mix up right and left lenses
  • Store lenses in a clean case with fresh solution (never “top off” old solution)

Risks of Incorrect Contact Lens Use

Incorrect use of contact lenses or lens solutions can lead to:

  • Inflammation of the eye or eyelids
  • Sore, red, or watery eyes
  • Infection and discharge (pus)
  • Slipping or movement of the lens on your eye
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred or impaired vision

If you experience any of these symptoms:

  1. Remove your lenses immediately
  2. Do not put them back in
  3. Contact your Grand Rapids optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible
  4. If you cannot reach your eye doctor, seek urgent care or an emergency department visit, especially if you have severe pain or sudden vision changes

When to Avoid Sharing or Borrowing Lenses

  • Never wear someone else’s lenses
  • Never allow anyone to wear your lenses, even for a short time or for costume use

Sharing lenses spreads bacteria and increases the risk of serious infection.

Local Eye Care Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are thinking about contact lenses or having trouble with your current lenses, you can:

  • Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with:
    • Local optometrists in Grand Rapids
    • Ophthalmologists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health resources for help finding affordable vision care
  • Ask your provider about:
    • Whether contact lenses are right for you
    • The safest lens type for your eyes and lifestyle
    • Proper insertion and removal techniques
    • The best cleaning solutions for your lenses

Key Points for Contact Lens Wearers in Grand Rapids

  • Contact lenses are medical devices and must be fitted and prescribed by an experienced professional
  • Regular annual eye exams are essential to monitor eye health and keep your prescription up to date
  • Good hygiene and proper cleaning solutions are critical to prevent infections and protect your eyesight
  • Never sleep in lenses, swim in them, or extend wear time unless your eye care professional has specifically approved it
  • Seek prompt professional care from a Grand Rapids eye specialist if you have pain, redness, or changes in vision

By following these guidelines and working closely with a trusted local eye care provider, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses safely in Grand Rapids’ unique climate and active community.