What is The Right Age to start wearing Contacts?
The right age to start wearing contact lenses can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s level of maturity and responsibility, eye health, and personal preferences. Here are some thoughts to consider:
- Eye Health: Contact lenses are most easily fit with good basic eye health. An eye exam will determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses, regardless of age or limitations by ocular health.
- Maturity and Responsibility: Wearing contact lenses requires optimum care of the lenses including proper hygiene habits for inserting, removing, and caring for the lenses as well as adhering to a wearing schedule.
- Personal Preference: Some people may prefer to wear contact lenses at a younger age because of certain activities and sports participation or other challenges of spectacle use.
Can Children Learn to Use Contact Lenses?
Yes, children can learn to use contact lenses with proper guidance and supervision. Not all children may be suitable candidates for contact lenses and the decision to wear them will be guided by your eye doctor.
Children who are interested in wearing contact lenses need a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lens evaluations are an additional assessment after the comprehensive assessment is completed. The ability to follow instructions and having good hygiene habits makes the wearing of contact lenses highly successful.
Initially, adult supervision is most appropriate for a child’s use of contact lenses. The adult should ensure that the child follows the wearing schedule and other guidelines recommended by the eye doctor. After adaptation, most young patients can perform all the care and handling including insertion and removal with appropriate replacement, independently.
Contact lenses can be a safe and effective option for many children.
Why Should Children Try Contact Lenses?
- Improved Vision: Contact lenses can provide improved visual acuity and a wider field of view compared to glasses. This can be especially beneficial for children who play sports or are very active.
- Increased Confidence: Wearing contact lenses can help improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence, particularly if they are self-conscious about wearing glasses.
- Better Compliance: Children may be more likely to wear contact lenses consistently if they prefer them to glasses, which can help ensure they receive the full visual benefits of the corrective lenses.
- Improved Safety: Contact lenses may be a safer option for children who participate in contact sports or other activities where glasses can be easily broken and safety eye wear can be used with the contact lenses.
Not all children may be suitable candidates for contact lenses for a variety of reasons. The child’s level of maturity and ability to follow proper hygiene and care instructions will be considered. Most interested children can be successful contact lens wearers.