Has your child shown interest in trying contact lenses, or finding glasses an inconvenience for certain activities? It may be the right time to consider contact lenses as another eyewear option. According to the CDC, children switching to contact lenses reported significant improvements in perceived appearance, participation in activities, and satisfaction with vision correction.
We gathered some commonly asked questions parents had about contact lenses and had our own optometrist Dr. Judy Walrath shed light on getting children started with wearing contacts.
Judy Walrath, ODHow old do you have to be to wear contacts?
There is no strict age guideline. It depends on the motivation and responsibility of the child. Children 10 years or older are good candidates to try contacts. Commonly, teens opt for contact lenses when youth sports get more competitive at 13 years old. In a study that involved fitting nearsighted children of ages 8-11 with daily disposable contact lenses, 90% of the kids had no trouble applying or removing the contacts without the assistance from their parents.
Not sure if your child is ready for contacts? Our doctors are happy to talk through any questions or concerns you have.
What is a contact lens fitting?
A contact lens fitting is an assessment by the doctor to determine if contact lenses are a good option for the patient. Through this assessment, the doctor will look at the health of the cornea and determine which lens has the best fit. By law, patients must have a prescription written by a licensed optometrist to get a valid contact lens prescription.
What’s important for a child/teen to know about contact lenses?
Proper hygiene is crucial. Contact lenses are an FDA regulated medical device and should be worn properly. Eye infections related to improper use of contact lenses can lead to long-lasting damage including potential vision loss but most are often preventable. Read more about proper contact lens care on our blog, How Contact Lens Wears Can Prevent Eye Infections. If you follow the care guidelines given by your eye doctor, the chances of injury are very minimal.
What are the benefits of kids wearing contact lenses?
Contact lenses are fantastic for many activities that include sports, theater, band, etc. Contacts eliminate the risk of losing or damaging your glasses, and your vision isn’t compromised by fog or sweat!
Notably, kids with very high prescriptions gain increased comfort from eliminating the burden of heavy lenses. Unlike glasses, contact lenses give wearers a full field of focused vision. Contacts move with your eyes giving you clear, direct, and peripheral vision.
How do I start my child wearing contact lenses for the first time?
Call us at 1-800-GO-TAVEL or book a contact lens fitting online! You can ask our staff before the appointment or bring it up with your eye doctor during your exam. Also, keep in mind your child will have to go through an insertion and removal training class before leaving with contacts for the first time. Set aside one hour for this training as it often takes kids some time to get them in and out.
At Dr. Tavel, we’re on a mission to help Hoosiers see better, feel better, and look better. Whether your child prefers glasses or contact lenses, we’ve got your eyes covered.