Michigan Eye Consultants | 29273 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 | 586-745-0863 / 586-302-3222
 

Spring Break Eye Care Tips for Families in Madison Heights

Spring break is finally here. Whether you are staying close to home in Metro Detroit or packing your bags for a tropical getaway, your eyes are about to get a lot more sun, wind, and potentially salt water than they are used to. While everyone else is focused on sunscreen for their skin, Michigan Eye Consultants wants to make sure your vision is protected, too.

Under the care of Dr. Kenneth Wong, our team takes a plain-language approach to eye health. We skip the confusing medical jargon and get straight to what matters: keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
 

Why UV Protection Matters During Spring Break

When most people think of UV protection, they reach for SPF 50. But your eyes are equally vulnerable to the sun's rays. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a leading contributor to early cataracts and macular degeneration — two of the most common causes of vision loss in adults.

Here in Madison Heights, the spring sun can be deceptively intense, especially when reflecting off water or melting snow. High-quality sunglasses are not a luxury — they are a medical necessity.


UV-protective sunglasses for the whole family — available at Michigan Eye Consultants in Madison Heights.

Choose Sunglasses With 100% UV Protection

Look for lenses labeled "100% UV Protection" or "UV400." This blocks both UVA and UVB rays across the full spectrum. Wraparound frames offer extra side protection — especially useful near water, sand, or snow.
 

Kids Need UV Protection More Than Adults

Children's eyes have larger pupils and clearer lenses, which means significantly more UV radiation reaches the back of their eyes compared to adults. If you are heading to the beach or spending time outdoors, make sure every member of your family — including the youngest ones — has proper UV-rated eyewear.
 

Travel Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Traveling with contact lenses adds an extra layer of responsibility. Follow this checklist to avoid an eye care emergency on the road:

1. Always bring backup glasses. If you develop an eye infection or irritation, you will need them. Visit our optical boutique before you leave to find a stylish backup pair.

2. Never swim or shower in your contacts. Pools, oceans, and even tap water can contain Acanthamoeba — a parasite that causes a serious and difficult-to-treat eye infection. If you need to see underwater, use prescription goggles instead.

3. Use fresh lens solution every time. Never top off old solution — always dump and refill. Bring a brand-new lens case for your trip to keep everything sterile.

4. Wear glasses during the flight. Airplane cabin air is extremely dry and can cause significant contact lens discomfort. Put your contacts in once you land instead.

Need to stock up before your trip? Schedule a contact lens exam and fitting with us right here in Madison Heights.
 

Our optical boutique team at Michigan Eye Consultants — curated frames you won't find at big-box stores.

Spring Break Special Offer

Get 20% off a complete pair of sunglasses or prescription glasses with the purchase of a year's supply of contact lenses.

Visit our optical boutique in Madison Heights for a curated selection of designer frames you won't find in big-box stores.
 

How Spring Allergies Can Affect Your Eyes

In Metro Detroit, spring does not just bring sunshine — it brings pollen. Seasonal allergies can cause itchy, red, and watery eyes that quickly put a damper on vacation plans. Here is how to manage them:

• Wash your hands frequently to avoid rubbing pollen directly into your eyes.

• Rinse your face after time outdoors to remove allergens from your eyelids and lashes.

• Use preservative-free artificial tears to flush irritants from the eye surface. If symptoms are severe or persistent, come see us for a personalized dry eye and allergy management plan.

Michigan Eye Consultants — your medical eye care home in Madison Heights.

Why a Pre-Travel Eye Exam Matters

A comprehensive eye exam before you travel is one of the smartest things you can do for your health this season. Many conditions — including early glaucoma, retinal changes, and pressure irregularities — have no noticeable symptoms until they progress. Catching them early means simpler treatment and better outcomes.

Michigan Eye Consultants uses advanced retinal imaging to examine the back of the eye in detail — from the retina to the optic nerve — without the discomfort of the traditional air puff test. Our diagnostics are designed to be thorough and stress-free.

We accept major commercial medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and select Medicaid plans. Many patients are surprised to learn that conditions like dry eye, allergy-related eye symptoms, and eye injuries are covered under medical insurance — not vision plans.
 

Our welcoming waiting area at Michigan Eye Consultants, 29273 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights.
 

Visit Michigan Eye Consultants in Madison Heights

We have designed every part of the Michigan Eye Consultants experience to feel more like a boutique than a clinic. From our modern waiting area to our friendly clinical team, we want you to feel at home. Dr. Kenneth Wong and our entire staff are committed to giving you plain-language explanations so you leave every appointment feeling informed and empowered.

Whether you need UV-protective sunglasses, a contact lens fitting, dry eye treatment, or a comprehensive eye exam before your trip, we are ready to help.

Book Your Appointment Today

Call: 586-745-0863 / 586-302-3222
29273 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Happy travels — and keep those eyes protected!

Frequently Asked Questions: Spring Break Eye Care

Have questions before your visit or your trip? Here are the answers our Madison Heights patients ask most often.
 

Q: Do I really need to wear sunglasses in spring? It's not summer yet.
A: Yes — UV radiation is present year-round and can be just as intense in spring, particularly when it reflects off water, light-colored sand, or lingering snow. The angle of spring sunlight in Metro Detroit can actually increase UV exposure compared to summer. Protecting your eyes now helps prevent cumulative damage that contributes to cataracts and macular degeneration over time.
 

Q: What should I look for when buying sunglasses for my kids?
A: Look for lenses labeled "100% UV Protection" or "UV400" — this ensures both UVA and UVB rays are fully blocked. Fit matters too: frames that sit close to the face and wrap slightly around the sides will block more peripheral UV exposure. Children's eyes are more vulnerable than adults' because their lenses are clearer and allow more UV radiation to reach the retina. We carry kid-friendly options in our optical boutique.
 

Q: Can I wear my contact lenses while swimming in the ocean or a pool?
A: We strongly advise against it. Both fresh water and salt water — including pools, oceans, lakes, and hot tubs — can contain microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that adhere to contact lens surfaces and cause a severe, painful eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is difficult to treat and can cause permanent vision damage. If you need vision correction while swimming, prescription goggles are a much safer option.
 

Q: My eyes get really itchy and red every spring. Is that allergies or something else?
A: Seasonal allergies are a very common cause of itchy, red, and watery eyes in spring, especially in Metro Detroit where tree and grass pollen counts can be high. However, similar symptoms can also be caused by dry eye disease, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), or contact lens-related irritation — all of which require different treatment. If over-the-counter drops are not providing relief, we recommend coming in so we can determine the exact cause and create a targeted treatment plan.
 

Q: Does Michigan Eye Consultants accept vision insurance like VSP or EyeMed?
A: No — Michigan Eye Consultants is a medical eye care practice, not a vision plan provider. We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, major commercial medical insurance, and select Medicaid plans. Many patients are surprised to learn that conditions like dry eye, eye allergies, contact lens-related complications, and eye infections are covered under medical insurance rather than vision plans. If you have questions about your specific coverage, call us at 586-745-0863 and our team will be happy to help.
 

Q: How long does a comprehensive eye exam take at Michigan Eye Consultants?
A: Most comprehensive eye exams at our Madison Heights office take 45 to 60 minutes. This includes advanced retinal imaging, which allows us to examine your retina and optic nerve in detail without the traditional air puff test. We build in time to walk you through your results in plain language — no rushing, no confusion.
 

Q: I'm flying out for spring break. Any tips for dry eyes on the plane?
A: Airplane cabin air is extremely low in humidity, which can cause significant dryness and discomfort — especially for contact lens wearers. We recommend switching to glasses for the flight and using preservative-free artificial tears before boarding and during the trip. If you have chronic dry eye symptoms, come see us before you travel so we can optimize your treatment plan ahead of time.
 

Q: Is a pre-travel eye exam really necessary if my vision seems fine?
A: Many serious eye conditions — including elevated eye pressure (a risk factor for glaucoma), early retinal changes, and diabetic eye disease — have no symptoms in their early stages. A comprehensive exam with retinal imaging can detect these issues before they cause noticeable vision loss. Think of it as routine maintenance: the best time to catch a problem is before it becomes one. We recommend annual comprehensive exams for all adults, and more frequent visits for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.
 

Michigan Eye Consultants · 29273 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 · 586-745-0863 / 586-302-3222

Accepting Medicare, Medicare Advantage, major commercial medical insurance, and select Medicaid. We do not accept VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, Spectera, or other vision plans.