Eye Care
How-To Tips

Practical guidance from our doctors for keeping your eyes and eyewear in top condition.

Contact Lenses

How to Care for Your Contact Lenses

Inserting Contact Lenses

  1. 1 Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry with a lint-free towel.
  2. 2 Remove the lens from its case and rinse with fresh contact lens solution — never tap water.
  3. 3 Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and check that it forms a proper bowl shape (not inverted).
  4. 4 Hold your upper eyelid up and pull your lower eyelid down.
  5. 5 Look upward and gently place the lens on the white of your eye.
  6. 6 Slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times to center the lens.

Removing Contact Lenses

  1. 1 Wash hands thoroughly.
  2. 2 Look upward and pull down your lower eyelid.
  3. 3 Using your index finger, slide the lens down to the white of your eye.
  4. 4 Gently pinch the lens with your index finger and thumb and remove it.

Contact Lens Don'ts

× Never sleep in lenses not approved for overnight wear
× Never rinse lenses or case with tap water
× Never share contact lenses with others
× Never wear lenses past their replacement schedule
× Never swim or shower while wearing lenses
× Never ignore redness, pain, or blurred vision — remove lenses immediately

Eyewear Care

How to Clean & Care for Your Glasses

Daily Cleaning

Use a microfiber cloth — never paper towels or clothing
Use lens cleaning spray or mild dish soap with warm water
Rinse under lukewarm water before wiping
Avoid acetone-based cleaners (they damage coatings)
Never use hot water (can warp frames and damage coatings)

Proper Storage

Always store glasses in a hard case when not wearing
Don't place glasses face-down on surfaces
Keep away from extreme heat (cars in summer, near stoves)
Don't set on your head — stretches the temples
Store away from chemicals and hair products

Frame Care

Always use both hands to put on and remove glasses
Bring in for adjustments regularly (free at our office)
If frames feel loose or crooked, don't bend yourself — bring them in
Replacement screws and nose pads are available at our office
If lenses pop out, bring in the frame and lens — we'll reinsert

Screen Health

Reducing Digital Eye Strain

20-20-20

The 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This simple habit dramatically reduces eye strain and fatigue.

Position screen at arm's length (20–26 inches)
Screen top at or slightly below eye level
Reduce screen brightness to match room lighting
Use night mode or warm tones in evening
Increase text size rather than leaning forward
Anti-reflective lenses reduce screen glare
Keep a humidifier nearby to reduce dry eye
Blink consciously — we blink 66% less on screens

Sun Safety

UV Protection for Your Eyes

UV radiation from the sun is a leading risk factor for cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and even eye cancer. Protection is simple and essential year-round.

What to Look For in Sunglasses:

UV400 Protection

Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This is non-negotiable. Don't confuse darker lenses with better UV protection — protection level is a coating, not related to lens darkness.

Polarized Lenses

Eliminate horizontal glare from water, snow, and roads. Essential for driving, fishing, skiing, and any outdoor activity. Does NOT increase UV protection — it's a separate feature.

Wraparound Style

Sunlight enters from the sides as well as the front. Wraparound frames protect against this peripheral UV exposure.

UV protection is especially important for children, as they spend more time outdoors and their lenses transmit more UV than adults'. We recommend UV-protective lenses in all children's glasses.

General Tips

Everyday Eye Health Habits

Annual Eye Exams

Don't skip your yearly exam. Many serious conditions are silent until advanced — early detection is key.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration contributes to dry eye. Drink 8+ glasses of water daily, especially if you wear contacts.

Eat for Your Eyes

Leafy greens (lutein), omega-3 fatty acids, carrots (beta-carotene), and colorful fruits support retinal health.

No Rubbing

Rubbing your eyes can introduce bacteria, irritate the surface, and over time contribute to corneal shape changes.

Sleep Matters

Your eyes need rest just like the rest of your body. Aim for 7–8 hours. If eyes feel strained in the morning, tell us.

Know Your Family History

Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions have genetic components. Share your family history with our doctors.

Questions About Your Eye Care Routine?

Our team is happy to give you personalized guidance at your next visit.

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