When Can Children Start Wearing Contact Lenses?

Your child’s happiness, health, and confidence should be your top priority. Wearing glasses can sometimes make children feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. You may consider contact lenses as an alternative. Contact lenses are a popular alternative to eyeglasses. However, you may wonder what age is appropriate for your child to start wearing contact lenses. 

Age Considerations

Experts recommend that children start wearing contact lenses around the age of 11 to 14. However, some children may be ready to get contact lenses from as young as eight to 10. Your child’s eye doctor can determine if they can get contact lenses by performing an eye exam and assessing their ability to handle them.

Maturity Level

Maturity is essential in considering whether your child can take care of contact lenses. Children need to be responsible and mature enough to handle the lenses properly. Parents with children who need vision correction should consider how well their child takes care of their current eyeglasses. They should also consider how well they follow instructions before they switch to contact lenses.

Motivation

Children who are highly motivated to get contact lenses may be better candidates for them than those who lack the motivation to wear contacts. Participating in activities such as sports that require eyeglasses for sharp vision highly motivates children to get contact lenses. 

Children who want contact lenses get excited about the prospect of wearing them. Considering their reception, they may be more likely to take proper care of their contact lenses. 

Lifestyle

Contact lenses are more beneficial to children who live an active lifestyle. They are more convenient than eyeglasses. Contact lenses provide better peripheral vision. They are best for activities like sports and playing with peers. Contact lenses do not fog or get splattered with rain or sweat like eyeglasses. They are ideal for children who spend most of their time outdoors.

Eye Health

Children with eye conditions such as dry eyes, allergies, and frequent eye infections may not be ideal candidates for wearing contact lenses. The lenses can worsen their symptoms and lead to discomfort. Parents should consult their child’s eye doctor to determine if contact lenses suit their children.

Types of Contact Lenses

There are two main types of contact lenses. These include soft lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are more comfortable to wear than RGP lenses. This quality makes them a better option for children with new contact lenses. However, RGP lenses provide sharper vision. They are more durable than soft lenses. They are a better option for children with vision problems, such as astigmatism.

Caring for Contact Lenses

A child who wears contact lenses must learn how to care for them. They should be able to disinfect and clean their lenses regularly and store them in a clean case. Conversely, children unable or unwilling to care for their contact lenses may not be the ideal candidates for them.

For more about children wearing contact lenses, visit Advanced Eyecare Consultants at our office in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. Call 847-994-4500 or 847-438-7700 to book an appointment today.