Is your kid prepared for contact lenses? What’s the right age? Taking care of contacts is simpler now, with various options available. Many children can now consider wearing them. There’s no fixed age for kids and contacts; it varies based on their responsibility level and parental support. Some 8-year-olds manage well, while certain teens might not. Eye specialists usually suggest waiting until at least 12 years old due to the risks outweighing the benefits in younger kids.

Benefits

Contact lenses offer comprehensive vision correction, addressing issues like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They seamlessly adjust with eye movement for a natural feel. While not FDA-approved, studies suggest custom lenses might slow near-sightedness progression in youths. Contact lens options vary in materials and schedules, tailored to individual needs and preferences. They offer a natural look and can even be colored. Wearers, across age groups, report improved self-esteem and performance in activities compared to glasses. Well-fitted lenses enhance peripheral vision during sports and don’t fog up like glasses. They can be paired with UV-blocking sunglasses for added eye protection.

Risks

Not every child is a suitable candidate for contact lenses.

If you are considering contacts for your kid, assess their hygiene habits and responsibility level. Risky behaviors include sharing lenses, using saliva to moisten them, disregarding professional advice, and wearing non-prescription decorative lenses from various sources. A Pediatrics study reveals around 13,500 ER visits yearly for contact lens-related injuries among children, constituting a quarter of all device-related incidents. These injuries encompass infections and eye abrasions, potentially causing significant harm.

The primary concern lies in corneal ulcers, severe infections of the eye’s clear front part, shielding it from germs, dust, and harmful material, which, if untreated promptly, can lead to permanent vision loss. Neglecting safety measures significantly heightens the ulcer risk. Eye specialists generally advise against extended wear lenses for children and teens, as they may elevate the likelihood of corneal ulcers. Daily disposable lenses mitigate some risks by employing a new pair each day. Additionally, children with seasonal allergies might not be suitable candidates for contacts, as the lenses could exacerbate their allergy symptoms, causing more itching and burning.

Lens care

Standard lens care involves cleansing, flushing, sanitizing, and preserving using an FSA contact lens solution, ensuring lenses remain pristine, cozy, and germ-free. Both parents and youngsters must adhere meticulously to the prescribed lens care regimen. Contact lenses offer advantages, yet your child might not yet grasp the accompanying duties, chiefly due to inadequate hygiene practices. It’s imperative for your child to heed the eye care specialist’s guidance on proper contact lens hygiene. Enforce some fundamental guidelines for your child to adhere to: 

• Wash and dry your hands before cleaning or putting in lenses. 
• Clean and rinse your contact lenses as directed. Only use products advised by the eye care provider. 
• Never put your lenses in water or saliva.
• Don’t wear lenses for longer than prescribed.
• Never wear someone else’s lenses.
• Always have a prescription for any lens you wear. This includes lenses for cosmetic reasons. 
• Never put contact lenses into a red eye.
• Remove contact lenses if the eyes are itching, burning, red, or irritated. Call your eye care provider. 
• Don’t sleep with contact lenses unless they are approved for overnight use. 

What Are the Top Lens Options?

Consult your physician. Opt for daily disposable soft lenses if they recommend disposable soft lenses over the cheaper 2-week disposables. With daily disposables, maintenance is easier, eliminating the need for disinfection and cleaning, thus reducing the risk of infections. Plus, users adapt to inserting and removing them quicker with daily changes.

Wrapping up

Kids often rely on grown-ups for healthcare, including eye care like using contact lenses. Parents are crucial in ensuring their children’s safety and health, especially regarding contacts, considering factors like maturity and hygiene. Both parents and kids need to grasp their shared responsibility in wearing and caring for contacts. It’s wise for parents weighing contacts for kids to seek advice from an eye doctor on the best vision correction option. And everyone using contacts should adhere to these tips for healthy use.