Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses for Kids and Teens
If you have a child or teenager, you already know they have their own ideas. This includes how they want to dress and what they want to do. What do you do if your child wears glasses and wants to make the switch to contact lenses? Many people mistakenly believe that only older teenagers can wear contacts. But thanks to advancements in technology, this no longer holds true.
Learn more about your options when it comes to contact lenses for kids. With some assistance from your eye doctor, you can help your child switch their eyewear. This can help them feel confident as they adjust to a new look and routine.
What if Your Child’s Prescription Changes?
It's an old belief that in order for contact lenses to work, children and teenagers need to reach a prescription that won't change. The truth is, even adults’ eyes change over time. The prescription strengths are simply adjusted during visits to the eye doctor.
There's no need to take your child back to the eye doctor for an adjustment before their normal appointment time — unless there's a problem. If they can’t see clearly or have other issues related to their eyesight, visit the doctor.
It's easy enough to order a new prescription, ensuring you'll have plenty of lenses on hand. Contact lens companies understand this when they fill patient orders.
Is There an Age Requirement for Contact Lenses?
Another misconception is that children need to reach a certain age to wear contacts. While wearing them can take some getting used to for anyone, there’s no starting age in place for an individual to get them prescribed. Although there are different trends for children wearing contact lenses, much comes down to the doctor. If your 8 year old wants to make the switch to contacts, there are doctors who are happy to assist.
Putting in contacts for the first time can create anxiety. Just like anything else your child learns, it takes practice. The more they do it, the easier it’ll be. Find out what your child wants to do. Working with them helps them understand the process. If you're both interested, take the first step and meet with an eye doctor. He or she can help guide you and your child through the benefits and the responsibilities that come with contact lenses.
Are Contact Lenses for Kids Expensive?
When it comes to getting contacts for children, parents often hesitate because of the cost associated with the eyewear. But once you work with your child and teach them the proper way to care for and maintain their contacts, the process is easy.
In contrast, glasses take more of a beating and may need replacing more frequently. That's because of sports, playing outdoors and even accidentally dropping them. Since contact lenses fit directly on the eye, there's a much lower risk of them breaking and fewer problems associated with dropping or even accidentally losing them.
When it comes to cutting back costs, there's a variety of ways to save money on contacts. This way, you'll have plenty on hand should an emergency arise.
Contacts can offer your child or teen an easy way to use eyewear without worrying about them getting damaged or in the way of activities. If that should happen, the cost is minuscule for a replacement compared to new glasses.
Can Kids Take Care of Contact Lenses on Their Own?
When you wear contacts, it's important to follow safety protocols. To prevent the spread of germs, this includes washing your hands before handling contacts and storing them properly. Children can easily learn the correct routines.
In cases of reusable lenses, a good contact solution will keep them clean. If your child is just starting out, daily disposables are an option that offers easy adjustment to contacts. You throw them away every night so cleaning is not necessary.
Children and teenagers should learn from either their eye doctor or nurse how to properly put in and remove contacts. Remind them not to go to bed with contact lenses inserted. Once they learn the proper rules for basic contact lens care, there's no reason for your child not to use them. The key is establishing knowledge and a routine.
Know what possible problems occur when the lenses aren't maintained. This could lead to eye infections, corneal abrasions, and in severe cases, blindness. Also, eyes can get dry from wearing contacts. Children can avoid this by using eye drops created for contact lenses.
Taking them out, keeping them clean and going to the eye doctor regularly can prevent these issues. Make sure your child feels confident inserting and removing them on their own during their lens fitting.
Contacts vs Glasses: Are There Safety Issues?
As mentioned earlier, you can break or misplace glasses. But what about children and teens who participate in sports and need to see clearly without risk? Contact lenses are a safer option than eyeglasses.
Football players, wrestlers and anyone engaged in contact sports can take advantage of contact lenses. They won't have to worry about their glasses smashing or about suffering additional eye damage when they wear contacts.
Contact lenses can feel empowering. They allow you to see without the hindrance of glasses, which fall off or slide down. Also, glasses tend to get in the way of some equipment, like helmets.
When you wear contacts, there’s little chance of suffering from the bruised eyes that can come from wearing glasses during a rough sport or accident. It's easier for your child to play and focus on the game, since they won’t have to worry about their eyewear.
Learn More About Contacts
If you're thinking about contact lenses for kids, there's no better time than the present. Children as young as 8 can wear contacts and maintain safe cleaning and care routines successfully. This allows them to enjoy freedom from glasses.
With a variety of brands on the market, it's easy to find lenses that feel comfortable. Help your child take care of their eyes and discover the benefits of contacts. If you're wondering if contacts are right for your child, make an appointment with your eye doctor today to find out more.
